Method and system for managing and displaying product images with progressive resolution display with artifical realities

ABSTRACT

A method and system for displaying and managing products with artificial realities. An N-layer digital image is created that includes an M-layer hierarchy of vector images and/or visual overlays in progressive resolution format and allows progressive resolution display without loss of image quality for selected plural consumer products that appear in the N-layer digital image. Plural artificial reality objects are created with physical location information and product information. Consumer products are displayed via the N-layer digital image from a server network device via a communications network whenever a target network device matches a current physical location included in the physical location information in an artificial reality object.

CROSS REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/840,740, filed on Apr. 6, 2020, that issued asU.S. Pat. No. 11,049,175, on Jun. 29, 2021, which is a CIP of Ser. No.15/632,438, filed Jun. 26, 2017, that issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,614,513, on Apr. 7, 2020, which is a CIP of Ser. No. 14/047,581,filed Oct. 7, 2013, that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,691,098, on Jun. 27,2017, which is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/984,685,filed on Jan. 5, 2011, that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,554,639, on Oct.8, 2013, which is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/820,342,filed Jun. 19, 2007, which is an application that claims priority toU.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/819,456, filed Jul. 7, 2006,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/820,342, issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,260,689, on Sep. 4, 2012, the contents of all of which areincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to product display. More specifically, it relatesto a method and system displaying and managing images of consumerproducts with artificial realities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The display of consumer products in a retail environment is a veryimportant. The display of consumer products in pre-determined formatscreates desired shopping experience for a shopper and generate sales fora retailer.

Consumer products are typically placed in pre-determined formats onshelves based on categories (e.g., health and beauty, liquor, grocery,etc.) For a category, plural display tactics are determined. The displaytactics include such tactics as shelf management, promotion, pricing,assortment, etc.

The consumer products displayed on a shelf includes an assortment ofproducts. An assortment of products increases shopper interest,increases shopper satisfaction and provides a retailer with more sales.However, too large an assortment of products may frustrate a consumerlead to higher costs for a retailer.

Most consumer products are sold off shelves stores. Consumers can browseshelves and physically pick up a product, remove it from the shelf, readthe label, etc. However, when products are virtually displayed on aweb-site and sold via electronic commerce (e-commerce) such as via theInternet or other communications network, consumers have a totallydifferent shopping experience.

There are several problems associated with virtually displaying consumerproducts on a web-site. One problem is that consumer products aretypically displayed one or a few at a time on a web-site. This is muchdifferent shopping experience than seeing all products for a category ofproducts displayed on a shelf at the same time.

Another problem is that all products in a category of products typicallyare not displayed at the same time. Many consumers don't rememberproduct details, and sometimes even the product's actual name. Insteadmany consumers rely on a size, shape, color or other packaging featureof the product to affect its purchase.

Another problem is that consumer products are typically displayed withone or more digital images. However, the digital image may not includethe whole product package to allow a consumer to make an appropriatechoice. For example, the digital image of the product may not includepacking information for the reverse or back of the product. Such avirtual display would prevent the consumer from checking the productingredients, warning labels, etc.

Another problem is that there have been some attempts to displaythree-dimensional or other views of consumer products. For example,video images are often created that provide a 360 degree view of theproduct. However, such video images are typically large and slow todownload and display.

Another problem is that consumer products are not displayed on cloudcomputing networks.

Another problem is that consumer products are not displayed in a virtualshopping cart with any kind of progressive resolution display and do notallow new or additional products to be selected via progressiveresolution display.

Another problem is that consumer products are not selected withartificial reality commands or displayed with any kind of artificialreality progressive resolution display and do not allow new oradditional products to be selected via an artificial reality progressiveresolution display.

Thus, it would thus be desirable solve some of the problems associatedwith creating, displaying and managing images of consumer products withartificial realities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, someof the problems associated with displaying products are overcome. Amethod and system for displaying and managing products with artificialrealities is presented.

A method and system for displaying and managing products with artificialrealities. An N-layer digital image is created that includes an M-layerhierarchy of vector images and/or visual overlays in progressiveresolution format and allows progressive resolution display without lossof image quality for selected plural consumer products that appear inthe N-layer digital image. Plural artificial reality objects are createdwith physical location information and product information. Consumerproducts are displayed via the N-layer digital image from a servernetwork device via a communications network whenever a target networkdevice matches a current physical location included in the physicallocation information in an artificial reality object.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of preferred embodimentsof the present invention will be more readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description. The detailed description proceeds withreferences to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described withreference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a product display and managementsystem;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a raster image of a smiley face graphic;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram 37 illustrating an original raster digitalimage with two glass soda bottles;

FIG. 1D is a block diagram illustrating a vector image created from theoriginal raster digital image of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for displaying andmanaging products;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary image of a shelflayout created with the method of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary first progressiveresolution portion of the shelf layout image of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating details of a second selectedprogressive resolution portion of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for displaying andmanaging products;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for creating images ofproducts in a virtual shopping environment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating details of an N-layer digitalimage;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flow diagram illustrating a method for displayingand managing products in a virtual shopping environment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a front view vector image and aback view vector image including specific information for a consumerproduct;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a create N-layer digital imagecomprising plural vector images in a M-layer vector image hierarchy;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary electronic links addedto an individual vector image of a consumer product;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary electronic links addedto an individual vector image of a visual overlay;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary product selectiontool for determining types of electronic links and vector imagesdisplayed;

FIG. 15 is flow diagram illustrating a method for selecting products todisplay in an N-layer digital image;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary database entry;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary display grid for acreated N-layer digital image;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a vector image of a consumerproduct displayed at Level-N in the N-level digital image;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an N-layer digital image used asa home page on a website;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a cloud communications network;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary cloud storageobject;

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and 22E are a flow diagram illustrating amethod for creating, displaying and managing products in a virtualshopping environment;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a virtual visual shopping cartproviding progressive resolution display of selected consumer products;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are a flow diagram illustrating a method forprogressive resolution display of selected consumer products directlyfrom a graphical shopping cart/bag;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are a flow diagram illustrating a method forprogressive resolution display of selected consumer products directlyfrom a graphical shopping cart/bag with audio commands and responses;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating wearable network devices;

FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C and 27D are a flow diagram illustrating a method forprogressive resolution display of selected consumer products withartificial reality commands and responses; and

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary artificial realityobjects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Product Display and ManagementSystem

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary product managementand display system 10. The exemplary system 10 includes one or moreserver network devices 11, 12 with a display 14. The display 14 presentsa windowed graphical user interface (“GUI”) 16 with multiple windows toa user. The system 10 further includes a digital camera 18 (or analogcamera) used to provide plural digital images 20 in various digitalimages or digital data formats (e.g., raster, vector, etc.) One or moredatabases 11′, 22 (two of which is illustrated) include consumer productinformation in various digital images or digital data formats. (e.g.,raster, vector, etc.) The databases 11′ 22 may be integral to a memorysystem or computer readable medium on the network device 12 or insecondary storage such as a hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk, orother non-volatile mass storage devices. The one or more network devices12 and the databases 11′, 22′ may also be connected to an accessible viaone or more communications networks 24 including cloud communicationsnetworks. The one or more network devices 12, 12′ also include a virtualstore application 25 and/or a artificial reality application 99, 99′.The one or more server network devices include a virtual storeapplication 25′ and or an artificial reality application 99′. Thevirtual store application 25, 25′ and/or artificial reality application99, may be included on a client network device 12′, server networkdevice 11, and/or on both a client 12′ and server network device 11, 12.In one embodiment, the application 25 is a software application. Inanother embodiment, the application 25, 99 is a plug-in for a networkbrowser. In one embodiment, the application is a cloud application 25,99.

The one or more server network devices 11, 12 may be replaced with oneor more client/target network devices 12′ (designated 12′ prime)including, but not limited to, client terminals, personal digital/dataassistants (PDA), laptop computers, mobile computers, wearable networkdevices 272-280 comprising, eye ware, wrist ware, jewelry, clothing,etc., smart speakers 51, Internet appliances, mobile phones, smartphones, as the iPhone by Apple, Inc., Android by various companies,other types of smart phones, tablet computers such as the iPad, byApple, Inc., Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality(MR) headsets 273, non-mobile phones, set top boxes for cabletelevision, or other similar desktop, mobile or handheld electronicdevices in communications with one or more server network devices 12.

The client/target network devices 12′ (designated 12′ prime) include atarget audio interface 53 for sending and receiving audio commandsincluding voice commands via a wired and/or wireless interface. Theserver network devices 11, 12, include a server audio interface 53′ 53for sending and receiving audio commands including voice commands via awired and/or wireless interface.

The audio commands are sent and received using the target audiointerface 53 and the server audio interface 53′ using digital datanetworks, such as the Internet, WiFi, and hybrid telephone/digital datanetworks using techniques such as the Voice-over-Internet Protocol(VoIP) and via wireless and wired telephone networks. Accordingly, atelephone network in accordance with the present invention can include adigital data network conventionally used to carry various types of data,for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Likewise, inthis case, a target network device 12′ can include a device capable ofcommunicating with a digital data network, for example, a networkedpersonal computer implementing a VoIP software application.

VoIP is a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voiceinformation using Internet Protocol (IP) packets. In general, VoIP isused to send voice information in digital form in discrete data packets(i.e., IP packets, User Datagram Protocols (UDP), etc.) over datanetworks rather than using traditional circuit-switched protocols usedon the PSTN. VoIP is used on both wireless and wired data networks.

VoIP typically comprises several applications (e.g., Session InitiationProtocol (SIP), Service Location Protocol (SLP), H.323, H.324, DomainName System (DNS), Authentication Authorization and Accounting (AAA),codecs (G.7xx), etc.) that convert a voice signal into a stream ofpackets (e.g., IP packets) on a packet network and back again. VoIPallows voice signals to travel over a stream of data packets over acommunications network 24 including a cloud communications network 24,and/or telephony networks.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) supports user mobility by proxying andre-directing requests to a mobile node's current location. Mobile nodescan register their current location. SIP is not tied to any particularconference control protocol. SIP is designed to be independent of alower-layer transport protocol and can be extended. For more informationon SIP, see IETF RFC-2543, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

Service Location Protocol (SLP) provides a scalable framework for thediscovery and selection of network services. Using SLP, network devicesusing the Internet need little or no static configuration of networkservices for network based applications. For more information on SLP seeIETF RFC-2608, incorporated herein by reference.

H.323 is one of main family of video conferencing recommendations for IPnetworks. The ITU-T H.323 standards entitled “Packet-based multimediacommunications systems” dated 02/98, 09/99, 11/00 and 07/03 areincorporated herein by reference.

H.324 is a video conferencing recommendation using Plain Old TelephoneService (POTS) lines. The ITU-T H.324 standards entitled “Terminal forlow bit-rate multimedia communication” dated 02/98 and 03/02 areincorporated herein by reference.

A Domain Name System (DNS) provides replicated distributed securehierarchical databases that hierarchically store resource records underdomain names. For more information on the DNS see IETF RFC-1034,RFC-1035, RFC-1591, RFC-2606 and RFC-2929, the contents of all of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

Authentication Authorization and Accounting (AAA) includes aclassification scheme and exchange format for accounting data records(e.g., for call billing, etc.). For more information on AAAapplications, see, IETF RFC-2924, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

VoIP services typically need to be able to connect to traditionalcircuit-switched voice networks such as those provided by the PSTN.Thus, VoIP is typically used with the H.323 protocol and othermultimedia protocols. H.323 and H.324 terminals such as multimediacomputers, handheld devices, PDAs or other devices such as non-mobileand mobile phones connect to existing wired and wireless cloudcommunications networks 18 as well as private wired and wirelessnetworks.

H.323 and H.324 terminals implement voice transmission functions andtypically include at least one voice codec (e.g., ITU-T CODECS, G.711,G.723, G.726, G.728, G.729, GSM, etc.) that sends and receivespacketized voice data and typically at least one video codec (e.g.,MPEG, etc.) that sends and receives packetized video data).

The communications network 24 includes, but is not limited to, theInternet, an intranet, a wired Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless LAN(WiLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN),Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and other types ofcommunications networks 24.

The communications network 24 may include one or more gateways, routers,or bridges. A gateway connects computer networks using different networkprotocols and/or operating at different transmission capacities. Arouter receives transmitted messages and forwards them to their correctdestinations over the most efficient available route. A bridge is adevice that connects networks using the same communications protocols sothat information can be passed from one network device to another.

The communications network 24 may include one or more servers 11 and oneor more web-sites accessible by users to send and receive informationuseable by the one or more computers 12. The one ore more servers 11,may also include one or more associated databases 11′ for storingelectronic information.

The communications network 24 includes, but is not limited to, datanetworks using the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User DatagramProtocol (LTDP), Internet Protocol (IP), cloud communication protocols(e.g., REST, SOAP, LDAP, etc.) and other data protocols.

TCP provides a connection-oriented, end-to-end reliable protocoldesigned to fit into a layered hierarchy of protocols which supportmulti-network applications. TCP provides for reliable inter-processcommunication between pairs of processes in network devices attached todistinct but interconnected networks. For more information on TCP seeInternet Engineering Task Force (ITEF) Request For Comments (RFC)-793,the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

UDP provides a connectionless mode of communications with datagrams inan interconnected set of computer networks. UDP provides a transactionoriented datagram protocol, where delivery and duplicate packetprotection are not guaranteed. For more information on UDP see IETFRFC-768, the contents of which incorporated herein by reference.

IP is an addressing protocol designed to route traffic within a networkor between networks. IP is described in IETF Request For Comments(RFC)-791, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.However, more fewer or other protocols can also be used on thecommunications network 24 and the present invention is not limited toTCP/UDP/IP.

The one or more database 22 include plural digital images 20 of consumerproducts taken with a camera such as a digital camera and stored in avariety of digital image formats including, raster, vector, bit-mapped,etc. The plural digital images 20 may be stored in a compressed formatincluding, but not limited to, joint pictures expert group (JPEG),graphics interchange format (GIF), etc. The plural digital images mayalso be stored in progressive resolution format. However, the presentinvention is not limited to these digital image formats and otherdigital image or digital data formats can also be used to practice theinvention.

In one embodiment of the invention, a virtual store application 25 is astand alone software application. In another embodiment, virtual storeapplication is plug-in application that is used with another application(e.g., a browser plug-in used with a network browser, etc.). However,the virtual store application 25 can also include plural software,firmware, hardware applications and/or combinations thereof and thepresent invention is not limited to a software virtual store application25.

An operating environment for the devices and interfaces of the exemplarysystem 10 include a processing system with one or more high speedCentral Processing Unit(s) (“CPU”), processors and one or more memories.In accordance with the practices of persons skilled in the art ofcomputer programming, the present invention is described below withreference to acts and symbolic representations of operations orinstructions that are performed by the processing system, unlessindicated otherwise. Such acts and operations or instructions arereferred to as being “computer-executed,” “CPU-executed,” or“processor-executed.”

It will be appreciated that acts and symbolically represented operationsor instructions include the manipulation of electrical signals by theCPU or processor. An electrical system represents data bits which causea resulting transformation or reduction of the electrical signals orbiological signals, and the maintenance of data bits at memory locationsin a memory system to thereby reconfigure or otherwise alter the CPU'sor processor's operation, as well as other processing of signals. Thememory locations where data bits are maintained are physical locationsthat have particular electrical, magnetic, optical, or organicproperties corresponding to the data bits.

The data bits may also be maintained on a computer readable mediumincluding magnetic disks, optical disks, organic memory, and any othervolatile (e.g., Random Access Memory (“RAM”)) or non-volatile (e.g.,Read-Only Memory (“ROM”), flash memory, etc.) mass storage systemreadable by the CPU. The computer readable medium includes cooperatingor interconnected computer readable medium, which exist exclusively onthe processing system or can be distributed among multipleinterconnected processing systems that may be local or remote to theprocessing system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, wireless interfaces fornetwork devices of the present invention, include but are not limitedto, an IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.15.4 (ZigBee),802.16a, 802.16g, “Wireless Fidelity” (Wi-Fi), “WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access” (WiMAX), ETSI High PerformanceRadio Metropolitan Area Network (HIPERMAN) “RF Home,” or other types ofwireless interfaces. However, the present invention is not limited tosuch wireless interface and other types of wireless interfaces can alsobe used.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the wireless interfaceincludes a wireless sensor device that comprises an integral or separateBluetooth and/or infra data association (IrDA) module for wirelessBluetooth or wireless infrared communications.

In one embodiment, of the invention, the wireless interfaces includeWPAN wireless personal area network (WPAN) interfaces. A WPAN is apersonal area network for interconnecting devices centered around anindividual person's devices in which the connections are wireless. AWPAN interconnects all the ordinary computing and communicating devicesthat a person has on their desk (e.g. computer, etc.) or carry with them(e.g., PDA, mobile phone, two-way pager, etc.)

Typically, a wireless personal area network uses some technology thatpermits communication only within about 10 meters. One such technologyis “Bluetooth.” Another such technology is “Zigbee.”

A key concept in WPAN technology is known as “plugging in.” In the idealscenario, when any two WPAN-equipped devices come into close proximity(within several meters of each other) or within a few kilometers of acentral server (not illustrated), they can communicate via wirelesscommunications as if connected by a cable. WPAN devices can also lockout other devices selectively, preventing needless interference orunauthorized access to secure information.

An 802.11b is a short-range wireless network standard. The IEEE 802.11bstandard defines wireless interfaces that provide up to 11 Mbps wirelessdata transmission to and from wireless devices over short ranges.802.11a is an extension of the 802.11b and can deliver speeds up to 54 Mbps. 802.11g deliver speeds on par with 802.11a. However, other 802.11xxinterfaces can also be used and the present invention is not limited tothe 802.11 protocols defined. The IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11gstandards are incorporated herein by reference.

Wi-Fi is a type of 802.11xx interface, whether 802.11b, 802.11a,dual-band, etc. Wi-Fi devices include an RF interfaces such as 2.4 GHzfor 802.11b or 802.11g and 5 GHz for 802.11a.

802.15.4 (Zigbee) is low data rate network standard used for meshnetwork devices such as sensors, interactive toys, smart badges, remotecontrols, and home automation. The 802.15.4 standard provides data ratesof 250 kbps, 40 kbps, and 20 kbps., two addressing modes; 16-bit shortand 64-bit IEEE addressing, support for critical latency devices, suchas joysticks, Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance,(CSMA-CA) channel access, automatic network establishment by acoordinator, fully handshaked protocol for transfer reliability, powermanagement to ensure low power consumption for multi-month to multi-yearbattery usage and up to 16 channels in the 2.4 GHz ISM band (Worldwide),10 channels in the 915 MHz (US) and one channel in the 868 MHz band(Europe). The IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard is incorporated herein byreference.

WiMAX is an industry trade organization formed by leading communicationscomponent and equipment companies to promote and certify compatibilityand interoperability of broadband wireless access equipment thatconforms to the IEEE 802.16XX and ETSI HIPERMAN. HIPERMAN is theEuropean standard for metropolitan area networks (MAN).

The IEEE The 802.16a and 802.16g standards are wireless MAN technologystandard that provides a wireless alternative to cable, DSL and T1/E1for last mile broadband access. It is also used as complimentarytechnology to connect IEEE 802.11XX hot spots to the Internet.

The IEEE 802.16a standard for 2-11 GHz is a wireless MAN technology thatprovides broadband wireless connectivity to fixed, portable and nomadicdevices. It provides up to 50-kilometers of service area range, allowsusers to get broadband connectivity without needing direct line of sightwith the base station, and provides total data rates of up to 280 Mbpsper base station, which is enough bandwidth to simultaneously supporthundreds of businesses with T1/E1-type connectivity and thousands ofhomes with DSL-type connectivity with a single base station. The IEEE802.16g provides up to 100 Mbps.

The IEEE 802.16e standard is an extension to the approved IEEE802.16/16a/16g standard. The purpose of 802.16e is to add limitedmobility to the current standard which is designed for fixed operation.

The ESTI HIPERMAN standard is an interoperable broadband fixed wirelessaccess standard for systems operating at radio frequencies between 2 GHzand 11 GHz.

The IEEE 802.16a, 802.16e and 802.16g standards are incorporated hereinby reference. WiMAX can be used to provide a WLP.

The ETSI HIPERMAN standards TR 101 031, TR 101 475, TR 101 493-1 throughTR 101 493-3, TR 101 761-1 through TR 101 761-4, TR 101 762, TR 101763-1 through TR 101 763-3 and TR 101 957 are incorporated herein byreference. ETSI HIPERMAN can be used to provide a WLP.

Bluetooth is a short-range radio frequency technology aimed atsimplifying communications among network devices and between networkdevices. Bluetooth wireless technology supports both short-rangepoint-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections. The BluetoothSpecification, GL 11r02, March 2005, prepared by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.is incorporated herein by reference.

The one or more target network devices and one or more server networkdevices communicate with each other and other network devices with nearfield communications (NFC) and/or machine-to-machine (M2M)communications.

“Near field communication (NFC)” is a set of standards for smartphonesand similar devices to establish radio communication with each other bytouching them together or bringing them into close proximity, usually nomore than a few centimeters. Present and anticipated applicationsinclude contactless transactions, data exchange, and simplified setup ofmore complex communications such as Wi-Fi. Communication is alsopossible between an NFC device and an unpowered NFC chip, called a “tag”including radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags.

NFC standards cover communications protocols and data exchange formats,and are based on existing radio-frequency identification (RFID)standards including ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa. These standards includeISO/IEC 1809 and those defined by the NFC Forum, all of which areincorporated by reference.

“Machine to machine (M2M)” refers to technologies that allow bothwireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the sameability. M2M uses a device to capture an event (such as image viewing,etc.), which is relayed through a network (wireless, wired cloud, etc.)to a cloud application (software program), that translates the capturedevent into meaningful information. Such communication was originallyaccomplished by having a remote network of machines relay informationback to a central hub for analysis, which would then be rerouted into asystem like a personal computer.

However, modern M2M communication has expanded beyond a one-to-oneconnection and changed into a system of networks that transmits datamany-to-one and many-to-many to plural different types of devices andappliances. The expansion of IP networks across the world has made itfar easier for M2M communication to take place and has lessened theamount of power and time necessary for information to be communicatedbetween machines.

Digital Images

A digital image 20 typically includes an array, usually a rectangularmatrix, of pixels. Each “pixel” is one picture element and is a digitalquantity that is a value that represents some property of the image at alocation in the array corresponding to a particular location in theimage. Typically, in continuous tone black and white images the pixelvalues represent a gray scale value.

Pixel values for a digital image 20 typically conform to a specifiedrange. For example, each array element may be one byte (i.e., eightbits). With one-byte pixels, pixel values range from zero to 255. In agray scale image a 255 may represent absolute white and zero total black(or visa-versa).

Color images consist of three color planes, generally corresponding tored, green, and blue (RGB). For a particular pixel, there is one valuefor each of these color planes, (i.e., a value representing the redcomponent, a value representing the green component, and a valuerepresenting the blue component). By varying the intensity of thesethree components, all colors in the color spectrum typically may becreated.

However, many images do not have pixel values that make effective use ofthe full dynamic range of pixel values available on an output device.For example, in the eight-bit or byte case, a particular image may inits digital form only contain pixel values ranging from 100 to 150(i.e., the pixels fall somewhere in the middle of the gray scale).Similarly, an eight-bit color image may also have RGB values that fallwithin a range some where in middle of the range available for theoutput device. The result in either case is that the output isrelatively dull in appearance.

A “raster image” is a digital image format composed of a rectangulargrid of pixels. Each pixel contains a defined value about its color,size, and location in the image. An image composed of a rectangular gridof pixels. Each pixel contains a defined value about its color, size,and location in the image. In one embodiment, a “raster digital image”or “bitmap” is a data structure representing a generally rectangulargrid of pixels, or points of color, viewable via a display 14 or otherdisplay medium. Raster images are stored in image files with varyingformats and varying compression formats. A bitmap correspondsbit-for-bit with a digital image and is characterized by a width andheight of the raster image in pixels and by a number of bits per pixel(i.e., a color depth, which determines the number of colors it canrepresent).

As a raster image is displayed at larger levels of magnification and/orzoom, it loses resolution and a rectangular grid of pixels that make upa raster image become more and more visible. There is a significant lossof image quality at larger levels of magnification. (See FIGS. 1B and1D).

FIG. 1B is a block diagram 27 of a raster image 29 of a smiley facegraphic 31. The smiley face 31 in the top left corner is a bitmap image.This image was obtained on the Internet from the URL“en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raster graphics.”

When such a raster image is enlarged or magnified 33, individual pixelsappear as squares (e.g., 35). Zooming in further, the pixels can beanalyzed, with their colors constructed by adding the values for red,green and blue. For example, square 35 is a gray color created with 80%red and green and 77% blue colors.

A “vector image” is a digital image format that records geometricinformation to define properties and objects of an original rasterdigital image with mathematical definitions and formulas. Colors,angles, curves, lines, boxes, fills, and other image properties from theraster digital are included in the vector image. In one embodiment, thevector images comprise one or more mathematical formulas and aredirectly dependent on resolution of an original raster digital image thevector image was created from. In another embodiment, the vector imagesare not dependent on resolution of a corresponding raster digital imagethe vector image was created from. Vector images provide, rotation,movement, mirroring, stretching, skewing, affine transformations,changing of z-order and combination of raster image primitives intocomplex vector image objects that are displayed at any magnificationwithout loss of quality.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram 37 illustrating an original raster digitalimage 39 with two glass soda bottles 41 and 43. The original rasterdigital image 39 was obtained on the Internet.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram 45 illustrated a vector image 47 created fromthe original raster digital image 39 of FIG. 1B. This vector image wasobtained on the Internet.

FIG. 1D illustrates the effect of vector image display versus rasterimage display. The original vector digital image 47 is at the left. Theupper-right image circle 51 illustrates magnification of seven times(7×) as a vector image 47. The lower-right image circle 53 illustratesthe same magnification of the original raster bitmap image 39. As wasdiscussed above, raster bitmap images are based on pixels and thus scaleand/or magnify with loss of clarity, while vector images can be scaledand/or magnified indefinitely without any corresponding degrading orloss of image quality. Vector image are ideal for simple or compositephotos that need to be device-independent and/or need to achieve a highdegree of photo-realism when displayed.

As a vector image is displayed with deeper levels of magnificationand/or zoom, it never loses resolution and does not display anyrectangular grid of pixels and displays a digital image without loss ofimage quality as is illustrated in FIG. 1C.

“Progressive resolution,” includes, but is not limited to, both an imagestorage format and an image display technique.

As an image storage format, “progressive resolution” includes, but isnot limited to, area of interest encoding, spatial relationshipdescriptor encoding, visual descriptor encoding and/or multi-resolutionmosaic encoding of vector digital images created from an original rasterdigital image.

In another embodiment, it includes, but is no limited to, area ofinterest encoding, spatial relationship descriptor encoding, visualdescriptor encoding and/or multi-resolution mosaic encoding of rasterdigital images. In another embodiment, it includes, but is no limitedto, area of interest encoding, spatial relationship descriptor encoding,visual descriptor encoding and/or multi-resolution mosaic encoding ofboth original raster digital images and plural vector images createdfrom the original raster digital images.

“Area of interest (AOI) encoding,” includes, but is not limited to,designating a particular area of interest within an original rasterimage to remain a high quality, high resolution area and encoded as alossless image AOI encoding that dramatically reduces a size of acreated image and allow for efficient storage and distribution of thedigital image file.

“Spatial relationship descriptor encoding,” includes, but is not limitedto, providing encoding of a description of points, lines, polygons, suchas squares, rectangles, etc. and other geometric components as ageometric representation properties of discerned geographic features andalso includes encoding common spatial relationships such as equals,disjoint, intersects, touches, crosses, within, contains, overlaps, etc.

“Visual descriptor encoding,” includes, but is not limited to, providingencoding that describes various visual characteristics of objects suchas color, shape, texture, etc. For example, a dominant color visualdescriptor is used to describe a number and an assigned value ofdominant colors that are present in a region of interest and apercentage of the region that each associated dominant color value has,etc.

“Multi-resolution mosaic encoding,” includes, but is not limited to,combining digital images with different input resolutions and differentinput formats into one seamless mosaic for which an image outputresolution and re-sampling method are defined. In one embodiment, pluralcreated vector images are encoded with multi-resolution mosaic encoding.

For more information, see “W3C Geospatial Vocabulary,” W3C IncubatorGroup Report, 23 Oct. 2007, and “W3C Image Annotation on the SemanticWeb,” W3C Incubator Group Report 14 Aug. 2007, the contents of all ofwhich are incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment of the invention, plural created vector images arestored in a progressive resolution digital image format without anycorresponding raster images. In such an embodiment, the plural createdvector images are stored in a progressive resolution digital imageformat and are displayed in with a progressive resolution displaytechnique or other types of display techniques without having to use ordownload any original raster digital images from which the plural vectorimages were created from. The vector images are displayed withoutconverting them to other image formats.

In another embodiment, plural created vector images are storage arestored in a progressive resolution digital image format withcorresponding raster images. In such an embodiment, the plural createdvector images are stored in a progressive resolution digital imageformat and are displayed in with a progressive resolution displaytechnique with having to use or download one or more of the originalraster digital images from which the plural vector images were createdfrom.

As an image display technique, “progressive resolution” includes, but isnot limited to, displaying plural different vector digital imagescreated from plural different original raster digital images with pluraldifferent vector image layers. Progressive resolution as a displaytechnique is fast, efficient and allows viewing and zooming in and outof vector images without loss of image quality. Progressive resolutionas a display technique does not require downloading vector images (orraster images) from the communications network 24. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this embodiment and other types ofprogressive resolution can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the vector images are stored in M-layer vector imagehierarchy including one or more vector digital images and one or moreset of electronic links in one or more upper vector image layers in theM-layer vector image hierarchy that allow a user to link to generalinformation about the consumer products. The M-layer vector imagehierarchy includes one or more vector digital images including one ormore set of electronic links in one or more intermediate vector imagelayers in the M-layer vector image hierarchy that allow a user to linkto more specific information about the consumer products. The M-layervector image hierarchy includes one or more vector digital imagesincluding one or more set of electronic links in one or more lowervector image layers in the M-layer vector hierarchy that allow a user tolink to specific information about the consumer products. However, thepresent invention is not limited to the M-layer vector hierarchydescribed and other types of hierarchies and progressive resolutiontechniques can also be used to practice the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the general information in the one or moreupper vector layers include brand information, the one or moreintermediate vector layers with the intermediate information includessub-brand information and the one or more lower vector layers with thespecific information includes product packaging and ingredientinformation. In another embodiment, the information placed in the vectorlayers are reversed. In another embodiment, the information placed inthe vectors layers includes no particular ordering. However, the presentinvention is not limited to the type of information and displaydescribed and other types of information and display orderings can alsobe used to practice the invention.

As an image display technique, “progressive resolution” includesdisplaying one or more different vector images by displaying a selectedvector image in greater and greater level of detail (or magnification,etc.) without loss of image quality and allows zooming in, and zoomingout of a whole vector image or a portion of vector image without loss ofimage quality.

In another embodiment, progressive resolution” as a display technique,includes, but is not limited to, displaying plural different vectordigital images created from an original raster digital image with pluraldifferent vector images without an M-layer hierarchy of vector images.In such an embodiment, the one or more different vector images alsoallow displaying a selected vector image in greater and greater levelsof detail without loss of image quality and allows zooming in, andzooming out of a whole vector image or a portion of vector image withoutloss of image quality

Digital image “compression” is the translation of data in any format toa more compact form for storage or transmission. Compression reducesredundancy of the image data in order to be able to store or transmitdata in an efficient form. Compression techniques include joint picturesexpert group (JPEG), graphics interchange format (GIF), Tagged ImageFile Format (TIFF), Portable Network Graphics (PNG) and othercompression techniques.

The compression may be lossy and/or lossless. A lossless compressionmethods discards no information. A lossy compression method works byanalyzing images and discarding kinds of information (e.g., that a humaneye is least likely to notice, does not have the capacity to see, etc.)thereby decreasing output file size.

The digital images 20 are typically obtained by photographing consumerand other types of products alone and in pre-determined shelf-setformats. “Shelf-sets” include a pre-determined layout and ordering ofproducts that appear on a shelf.

Exemplary Method for Displaying Products

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 26 for displaying andmanaging products. At Step 28 plural images of consumer products areselected to display in a virtual display environment. At Step 30, adisplay layout for the selected plural images consumer products isdetermined. The display layout includes a pre-determined ordering. AtStep 32, an N-layer digital image of a shelf layout is created on whichthe selected plural images of consumer products are displayed. At Step34, the N-layer digital image is displayed via a communications networkto allow virtual shopping via the communications network.

Method 26 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an embodiment other embodimentscan also be used to practice the invention.

In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 28, plural images of pluralconsumer products are selected to display in a virtual displayenvironment. For example, plural images of types of related (e.g.,shampoo, conditioner, etc.) or unrelated consumer products in variousproduct categories are selected such as books, music, consumerelectronics, tools, clothing, shoes, personal care products includingskin care, personal cleansing, AP/DO, hair care, hair styling aids, haircolorants, feminine care (e.g., napkins, tampons, etc.) male care,(e.g., shaving, etc.), baby care (e.g., diapers and wipes, etc.), fooditems including produce, stables, salty snacks, coffee, etc. groceries,including fresh meats, seafood, produce, etc. cleaning productsincluding fabric care, hard-surface cleansers, floor systems, dish care,etc., liquors, including beer, wine, whiskey, etc. However, the presentinvention is not limited to these consumer products and the inventioncan be used to sell virtually any type of product that can or cannot beplaced on a shelf in a store. For example, the present invention can beused to sell vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, etc.).

In another embodiment, the consumer products include products for petsand other types of animals.

At Step 30, a layout for the selected plural consumer products isdetermined. The display layout includes a pre-determined ordering. Thelayout groups the images of the plural selected products by size, shape,color, other packaging characteristics, brand, sub-brand, productcategory, etc.

In one embodiment, the pre-determined ordering includes an ordering thatis used on actual shelves in retail stores. In another embodiment, thepre-determined ordering includes an ordering developed via live focusgroups. In another embodiment, the pre-determined ordering includes anordering based on package coloring or package size or package shape.

In one embodiment, the pre-determined ordering, layout and display ofthe digital image provides a viewer a shopping experience that isidentical or nearly identical to that a consumer would have in an actualretail store. In most embodiments know in the art, the e-commerce andshopping sites on the Internet are not close and typically do not comeanywhere close to that a consumer would have in an actual retail store.

At Step 32, an N-layer digital image (e.g., FIG. 3, item 36, FIG. 11,item 112, FIG. 17) of a shelf layout 37 is created on which the selectedplural images of consumer products are displayed. The N-layer digitalimage includes one or more vector images in plural different vectorimage layers created from and overlaying one or more original rasterimages. The digital image allows progressive resolution on the selectedplural images of consumer products that appear in the digital imagewithout use of the raster images. The vector images include a pluralelectronic links to information associated with the consumer products.The digital image of the self layout includes, but is not limited to,compilations of one or more very high resolution digital images ofindividual products, digital images taken of actual store shelves, ordigital images of new store shelves that are displayed on in a virtualenvironment.

Using progressive resolution, a user can zoom in very close to theproduct image or zoom out to view the shelf in it's entirety. Thecreated image is resolved as the user zooms in to a specific product andalso resolves the image to clarity as the user zooms out to view theentire shelf.

In one embodiment, the created image includes vector image layering inan N-layer hierarchy. Each digital vector image will have one or morevector images that overlay one or more raster images. These vectorlayers provide the user with electronic information, electronic links(e.g., HTML, XML, other electronic links, etc.) to other informationincluding information about the company that produces the consumerproduct, ingredient information, options for product purchase,electronic coupons and sale information about products that arecurrently on sale. The links also allow a user to view the reverse sideof the package.

In one embodiment, the created digital image is created as pluralindividual high resolution digital images are taken of an existingretail shelf to create a stitched panoramic photograph of the entireretail shelf from plural retail stores. Individual photos are taken of 4foot wide by 7 foot high shelves. These individual images are thenstitched together to form the category panoramic photos.

At Step 34, the created image is displayed via a communications network24. For example, the create image may be displayed on a web-site on theInternet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 36 illustrating an exemplary image of anactual shelf layout 37 created with Method 26. FIG. 3 illustrates afirst selected progressive resolution portion 38 of an actual digitalimage created to emulate an actual retail store shopping experience. Thedigital image 36 includes hair care and skin care products that aredisplayed on a shelf in a manner similar or identical to that of anactual retail store.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 40 illustrating an exemplary progressiveresolution portion of the shelf layout image of FIG. 3. FIG. 4illustrates a second selected progressive resolution portion 42 selectedwithin the first selected progressive resolution portion.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram 44 illustrating details of the second selectedprogressive resolution portion 42. FIG. 5 illustrates plural links 46,48, 50, 52, 55 added to the progressive resolution portion 42 to provideaddition information. For example, link 46 provides additionalinformation on Dove products. Link 55 provides an electronic coupon thatcan be printed out and redeemed or used for an electronic purchase. Link48 provides additional information on the essential nutrients includedin the products. Link 50 provides additional information on thecleansing clothes. Link 52 provides a link to another progressive imagewith information on the reverse side of the product packaging.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 54 for displaying andmanaging products. At Step 56, an individual portion of a displayeddigital image of a shelf layout is displayed on which selected pluralimages of consumer products are displayed in a determined displaylayout. The digital image includes one or more vector images and one ormore raster images and allows progressive resolution on the vectorimages of the consumer products from the selected individual portionsthat appear in the digital image. At Step 58, one or more vectors imagesin the selected one or more individual portions of the digital image areselected. At Step 60, one or more electronic links with additionalinformation are selected for a selected consumer product from theselected one or more layer in the selected one or more individualportions of the digital image.

Method 54 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an embodiment other embodimentscan also be used to practice the invention.

In such an exemplary embodiment, at Step 56, an individual portion 38,42, 46, 48, 50, 52 of a displayed digital image of a shelf layout 36 aredisplayed on which selected plural images of consumer products aredisplayed in a determined display layout. The digital image includes oneor more vector images and one or more raster images and allowsprogressive resolution on the vector images of the consumer productsfrom the selected individual portions that appear in the digital image

At Step 58, one or more vectors images in the selected one or moreindividual portions of the digital image are selected.

At Step 60, one or more electronic links with additional information areselected for a selected consumer product from the selected one or morelayer in the selected one or more individual portions of the digitalimage.

At Steps 58 and 60, a seller will have the option of selecting whichlayers to make visible on the shelf image. Layer options include, butare not limited to: product purchase options, links to a product's website, information on sales, price, advertising or other relevantinformation that the user might need in making a purchase decision aboutthat product or products. The available options will also allow theseller to create their own customized on-line stores of products thathave attributes important to them. Examples might be products that areall natural, products to combat aging, products for children, etc.Products sold domestically and internationally can be displayedside-by-side on a created image.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a Method 62 for creating images ofproducts in a virtual shopping environment. At Step 64, a digital imageof a shelf layout 36 is created on which selected plural images ofconsumer products are displayed in a pre-determined display layout. Thedigital image includes one or more vector images and one or more rasterimages and allows progressive resolution on the selected plural imagesof consumer products that appear in the digital image. At Step 66,plural electronic links are added to the one or more vector images. Theplural electronic links provide links to additional electronicinformation associated with the consumer products during the progressiveresolution.

Method 62 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an embodiment other embodimentscan also be used to practice the invention.

In such an exemplary embodiment, at Step 64, a digital image of a shelflayout 36 is created on which selected plural images of consumerproducts are displayed in a pre-determined display layout. The digitalimage includes one or more vector images and one or more raster imagesand allows progressive resolution on the selected plural images ofconsumer products that appear in the digital image.

At Step 66, plural electronic links 46, 48, 50, 52 are added to the oneor more vector images. The plural electronic links provide links toadditional electronic information associated with the consumer productsduring the progressive resolution.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram 68 illustrating details of an N-layer digitalimage 70 including a top vector image layer 72 with general information74, an intermediate vector image layer 76 with intermediate information78 and a lower vector image layer 80 with specific information 82. Theimages in FIG. 8 appear in FIGS. 3-5 and the N-layer digital image 70 iscreated with the methods and system described herein.

Exemplary Method for Displaying Products Including Visual Overlays inVector Images

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flow diagram illustrating a Method 84 fordisplaying and managing products in a virtual shopping environment. InFIG. 9A at step 86, an application in a computer readable medium on aserver network device with one or more processors connected to acommunications network creates a first set of plural vector images fromplural corresponding raster images of consumer products. The createdplural vector images include selected ones of the first set of theplural vector images created at different views of the consumer productsand also include other selected ones of the created first set of pluralvector images included vector images at varying levels of detail fromgeneral details to specific details for the consumer products includedin the created first set of the plural vector images. At step 88, theapplication in the computer readable medium creates a second set ofplural vector images for pre-determined groups of consumer productscomprising plural visual overlays. At Step 90, the application in thecomputer readable medium adds a first set of electronic links toindividual vector images in the created first set of plural vectorimages. Only selected ones of electronic links from a set of electroniclinks added to an individual vector image are visible and displayablewhen the individual vector image for a consumer product is displayed. AtStep 92, the application in the computer readable medium adds a secondset of electronic links to the second set of the plural vector imagesfor the created plural visual overlays. Only selected ones of electroniclinks from the second set of electronic links added to an individualvector image are visible and displayable when the individual vectorimage for a visual overlay is displayed. In FIG. 9B at Step 94, theapplication in the computer readable medium creates an N-layer digitalimage stored in a progressive resolution format for a pre-determineddisplay layout of the consumer products with the created first set andsecond set of the plural vector images and the added first and secondsets of electronic links. The N-layer digital image includes an M-layervector image hierarchy of the created first set and second set of theplural vector images. The M-layer vector image hierarchy includesselected ones of vector images from the created first set of the pluralvector images displaying general details for the consumer products orgroups of consumer products at a first set of highest levels in theM-layer vector image hierarchy and other selected ones of vector imagesfrom the created first set of plural vector images displaying specificdetails for the consumer products at lowest levels in the M-layerhierarchy. Selected ones from the created second set of vector imagesdisplays visual overlays of varying level of details from general tospecific for the pre-determined groups of consumer products at a secondset of highest levels in the M-layer vector image hierarchy. At Step 96,the created N-layer digital image is displayed with the application fromthe computer readable medium with a progressive resolution display viathe communications network to allow virtual shopping via thecommunications network, thereby creating a seller customized on-linestore of consumer products with the created N-layer digital image. Thecreated N-layer digital image allows progressive resolution display ofconsumer products with the created plural vector images in the M-layervector image hierarchy. The progressive resolution display allowsdisplaying, zooming in and zooming out on selected portions of thecreated N-layer digital image without loss of any image quality andallows displaying selected ones of the added first set and second set ofelectronic links in the plural vector image layers and allows linking toone or more different sets of electronic information from differentvector image layers in the plural vector image layers during theprogressive resolution display of the created N-layer digital image. Theprogressive resolution display of the N-layer digital image displaysonly those one or more sets of electronic links added to a vector imagelayer currently being viewed in the N-layer digital image. Theprogressive resolution display allows display of different vector imagesand different sets of electronic links providing vector images andelectronic links to selected electronic information varying from generalelectronic information to specific electronic information as lowerlayers are viewed in the plural vector image layers. The progressiveresolution display of the N-layer digital image allows display of theN-layer digital image from the computer readable medium with the createdplural vector images in the plural vector image layers withoutconverting any of the created plural vector images to another format orhaving to download any raster images associated with the created pluralvector images over the communications network.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram 98 illustrating a front view vector image 100and a back view vector image 102 including specific information for aconsumer product (e.g., detoxifying pore scrub in a tube, etc.) viewedat level N in the N-layer digital image and level-M in the M-layervector image hierarchy.

In one embodiment, the values of N and M are equal. That is, a number oflayers-N in the N-layer digital image equal a number of layers-M in theM-layer vector image hierarchy. In another embodiment, the values of Nand M are not equal. In such an embodiment, there are typically morevectors image layers in the M-layer vector image hierarchy than thereare in the N-layer digital image. In another embodiment, there are morelayers in the N-layer digital image than in the M-layer vector imagehierarchy. However, the present invention is not limited to theseexemplary embodiments and others numbers of layers and values for N andM can be used to practice the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, the value of N for the N-layer digitalimage ranges from one to about 100 layers. In a typical exemplaryembodiment, the N-layer digital image includes five to ten layers. Inone exemplary embodiment, the value of M for the M-layer vector imagehierarchy ranges from one to about 1000 layers. In a typical exemplaryembodiment, the M-layer vector image hierarchy includes about 100layers. However, the present invention is not limited to these exemplaryembodiments and others numbers of layers and values for N and M can beused to practice the invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram 104 illustrating a created N-layer digitalimage 106 comprising plural vector images 100, 108, 110, 112 in aM-layer vector image hierarchy. FIG. 11 illustrates vector imagescomprising visual overlays 108, 110, 112 for groups of consumer productsand vector images of individual consumer products 100, 102. Visualoverlays may include sub-overlays 109, 111 (two of which areillustrated). Vector image layers are illustrated as “V-L” and theN-layer digital image layers are illustrated as “I-L.” In FIG. 11 thereare N-layers in the digital image and M-layers in the vector hierarchywhere N=M. However, the present invention is not limited embodimentswhere N=M and can be practiced with N not equal to M.

FIG. 11 illustrates a first vector image at level-1 in the M-layervector image hierarchy including a first visual overlay 108 with brandinformation, a second vector image at level-2 including a second visualoverlay 110 with sub-brand information, a third vector image 112 atlevel-3 including a pre-determined shelf layout of product informationand a fourth and fifth vector image 100, 102 at level-M includingspecific product information. However, the present invention is notlimited to this exemplary embodiment and others numbers of layers andvalues for N and M can be used to practice the invention.

In addition, an ordering in the N-layer digital image and/or M-layervector image hierarchy can be changed or adjusted. For example, in oneexemplary embodiment, specific information may be included at top mostlevels and general information may be included at lowest levels in the Nand/or M layers and visa-versa.

In addition, various combinations of general, specific and/orintermediate information may be used and sub-layers may be groupedtogether to include one or more sub-hierarchies of electronicinformation. For example, sub-layers 3-7 may be used only for faceproducts that include sun screen with the highest priced productsdisplayed at top levels in the sub-hierarchy.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram 114 illustrating exemplary electronic links116 added to an individual vector image 100 of a consumer product atpre-determined locations. Only selected ones of the electronic links arevisible and displayed in a selected layer in the N-layer digital image70, 106 in the M-layer vector image hierarchy (e.g., See FIG. 18). Inaddition, the locations and descriptions of the electronic links areexemplary only. The present invention is not limited to such electroniclinks and more, fewer and other types of electronic links, otherdescriptions and other locations can be used to practice the invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram 118 illustrating exemplary electronic links120 added to an individual vector image of a visual overlay 108 atpre-determined locations. FIG. 13 illustrates the electronic links asgraphical icons. The graphical icon are easily recognizable (e.g., aleaf for natural products, the word NEW for new products, etc.) forselected product types and/or pre-determined demographic groups (e.g.,teen age girls, etc.) (See FIG. 14 for additional descriptive text ofgraphical icons illustrated in FIG. 13). The graphical icons alsoinclude icons for plural different types of personal shoppers of variousage groups. (e.g., a teen age girl, a young woman (e.g., 20-30, etc.) amiddle age woman (e.g., 31-50, etc.), a senior age woman (e.g. 51-90+,etc.), a teenage boy, young man, middle age man, etc.) The presentinvention is not limited to such electronic links and more, fewer andother types of electronic links, other descriptions and other locationscan be used to practice the invention.

Returning to FIG. 9, Method 84 is illustrated with an exemplaryembodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to such anexemplary embodiment other embodiments can also be used to practice theinvention.

In such an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 9A at Step 86, an application 25in a computer readable medium on a server network device 12 with one ormore processors connected to a communications network 24 creates a firstset of plural vector images (e.g., FIG. 1D, FIG. 10, items 100, 102,etc.) from plural corresponding raster images (e.g., FIG. 1C) ofconsumer products 20. The created plural vector images include selectedones of the first set of the plural vector images created at differentviews (e.g., FIG. 10, front 100, back 102, etc.) of the consumerproducts and also include other selected ones of the created first setof plural vector images included vector images at varying levels ofdetail from general details 38 (e.g., FIGS. 3, 11, etc.) to specificdetails 42 (FIGS. 5, 10) for the consumer products included in thecreated first set of the plural vector images. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this order and other orderings can be usedin the N-layer digital image and the M-layer vector image hierarchy.

At step 88, the application 25 in the computer readable medium creates asecond set of plural vector images for pre-determined groups of consumerproducts comprising plural visual overlays (e.g., FIG. 11, etc.). In onespecific exemplary embodiment, the vector images including the visualoverlays include plural vector images comprising, brand information,sub-brand information, product category information and/or productinformation. However, the present invention is not limited to such anembodiment, more, fewer and/or other types of overlays and otherembodiments can be used to practice the invention.

At Step 90, the application 25 in the computer readable medium adds afirst set of electronic links (e.g., 116, FIG. 11) to individual vectorimages in the created first set of plural vector images. Only selectedones of electronic links from a set of electronic links added to anindividual vector image are visible and displayable when the individualvector image for a consumer product is displayed in the N-layer digitalimage and/or M-layer vector image hierarchy (See, FIG. 18 for display ofelectronic links at level-N in the N-layer digital image and level M inthe M-layer vector image hierarchy). In one embodiment, the first set ofelectronic links includes a first set of graphical icons. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such electronic links and othertypes of electronic links (e.g., text, etc.) can be used to practice theinvention.

One advantage of displaying only selected ones of the electronic linksand making these selected ones of the electronic links visible only whena selected individual vector image is displayed allows the N-layerdigital image to be cleanly displayed without cluttered imagesdisplayed. If this method of was not used then all links at all layerson all the vector images would be displayed and none of the vectorimages for the visual overlays or the consumer products would be visiblewhen the N-layer digital image is displayed.

In one embodiment, the graphical icons include graphical icons for newproducts, products on sale, all natural products, anti-age products,products with new ingredients, products with sun screen, products forspecific pre-defined demographic groups, products associated with abrand or products at similar price level (See FIGS. 13 and 14). However,the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and more,fewer or other types of graphical icons can be used to practice theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram 122 illustrating an exemplary productselection tool 124 for determining types of electronic links and vectorimages displayed. FIG. 14 illustrates selecting electronic links andcorresponding vector images for displaying various types of productinformation 126 or via pre-determined demographic categories suchmothers with children 128, teen age girls 130, women over age fifty 132,professional women 134, men's products, 136, a custom product selection137 that does not include any pre-determined demographics or categoriesallowing a user to create custom shopping environment with a customizedmulti-resolution, multi-layer mosaic (MRM) digital image 139 and selectany consumer product from any category, to create a customized on-linestore, etc. Electronic selection tool 124 is displayed via application25. In one embodiment, electronic selection tool 124 is used only by animage creator (e.g., a retailer who is creating an N-layer digital imagefor display) via a server network device 12.

In another embodiment, the product selection tool 124 is also used via aclient network device 12 via application 25 via GUI 16 by a user whodesires to create electronic links and display vector images only toproducts that interest them. In such an embodiment, the N-layer digitalimage 106 created at Step 94 will include all possible vector images andall possible electronic links. A consumer will select and activate onlythose vector images and electronic links for consumer products that areof interest to the user and only those electronic links and vectorimages will be displayed.

Returning to FIG. 9 at Step 92, the application in the computer readablemedium adds a second set of electronic links (e.g., 120, FIG. 13) to thesecond set of the plural vector images for the created plural visualoverlays. Only selected ones of electronic links from the second set ofelectronic links added to an individual vector image are visible anddisplayable when the individual vector image for a visual overlay isdisplayed. FIG. 13 illustrates the electronic links as graphical icons.However, the present invention is not limited to such electronic linksand other types of electronic links (e.g., text, etc.) can be used topractice the invention.

In one embodiment, the graphical icons include graphical icons for newproducts, products on sale, all natural products, anti-age products,products with new ingredients, products with sun screen, products forspecific pre-defined demographic groups, products associated with abrand or products at similar price level (See FIGS. 13 and 14). However,the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and more, feweror other types of graphical icons can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first set of electronic links and/or the secondset of electronic links include electronic links to print advertising(e.g., magazine, newspaper, electronic media (e.g., social networksites, etc.), audio advertising (e.g., radio, etc.), video advertising(e.g., TV commercials, etc.), and web-sites including additionalinformation about the consumer product. Such links may link toelectronic information in the computer readable medium and/or database22 on the server network device 12 or target network device 12′ or toother information sites and/or database 22 accessible via thecommunications network 24 (e.g., web-sites on the Internet, etc.). Inone embodiment, additional electronic information is stored completelyin the computer readable medium and/or database 22 on the server networkdevice 12. In another embodiment, selected ones of the types ofelectronic information (e.g., video advertising, etc.) is not stored andmust be downloaded and/or retrieved from other network devices 12, 12′via the communications network 24. However, the present invention is notlimited to such embodiments and more, fewer or other types of electroniclinks and electronic information storage can be used to practice theinvention.

In FIG. 9B at Step 94, the application 25 in the computer readablemedium creates an N-layer digital image (e.g., FIGS. 8, 11) that isstored in a progressive resolution format for a pre-determined displaylayout of the consumer products with the created first set (e.g., 100,102) and second set of the plural vector images (e.g., 108, 110, 112)and the added first and second sets of electronic links (116, 120) TheN-layer digital image includes an M-layer vector image hierarchy of thecreated first set and second set of the plural vector images and thefirst and second set of added electronic links.

In one exemplary embodiment, The M-layer vector image hierarchy includesselected ones of vector images from the created first set of the pluralvector images displaying general details for the consumer products orgroups of consumer products at a first set of highest levels in theM-layer vector image hierarchy and other selected ones of vector imagesfrom the created first set of plural vector images displaying specificdetails for the consumer products at lowest levels in the M-layerhierarchy. Selected ones from the created second set of vector imagesdisplays visual overlays of varying level of details from general tospecific for the pre-determined groups of consumer products at a secondset of highest levels in the M-layer vector image hierarchy. However,the present invention is not limited to such a hierarchy and other typesof hierarchies can be used to practice the invention.

In another exemplary embodiment, the invention is practiced without theM-layer hierarchy. In addition, the M-layer vector image hierarchy mayinclude specific information at highest levels and general informationat lowest levels. Various combinations of information types and layeringare possible to practice the invention.

At Step 96, the created N-layer digital image 106 is displayed with theapplication 25 from the computer readable medium with a progressiveresolution display via the communications network 24 to allow virtualshopping via the communications network, thereby creating a sellercustomized on-line store of consumer products with the created N-layerdigital image.

The created N-layer digital image 106 allows progressive resolutiondisplay of consumer products with the created plural vector images inthe M-layer vector image hierarchy. The progressive resolution displayallows displaying, zooming in and zooming out on selected portions ofthe created N-layer digital image 106 without loss of any image qualityand allows displaying selected ones of the added first set and secondset of electronic links in the plural vector image layers and allowslinking to one or more different sets of electronic information fromdifferent vector image layers in the plural vector image layers duringthe progressive resolution display of the created N-layer digital image106.

The progressive resolution display of the N-layer digital image 106displays only those one or more sets of electronic links added to avector image layer currently being viewed in the N-layer digital image106. The progressive resolution display allows display of differentvector images and different sets of electronic links providing vectorimages and electronic links to selected electronic information varyingfrom general electronic information to specific electronic informationas lower layers are viewed in the plural vector image layers. Theprogressive resolution display of the N-layer digital image 106 allowsdisplay of the N-layer digital image 106 from the computer readablemedium with the created plural vector images in the plural vector imagelayers without converting any of the created plural vector images toanother format or having to download any raster images associated withthe created plural vector images over the communications network 24.

FIG. 15 is flow diagram illustrating a Method 138 for selecting productsto display in an N-layer digital image. At Step 140, a graphical productselection tool is displayed via the application on the server networkdevice to a client network device via the communications network. AtStep 142, a selection input is received on the application on the servernetwork device via the communications network for selected ones ofelectronic links from the first set and second set of electronic linksand for selected one of the vector images from the created first set ofplural vector images and second set of plural vector images to displayin the N-layer digital image. At Step 144, the N-layer digital image isdisplayed from the application on the server network device to theclient network device via the communications network with theprogressive resolution display displaying only the electronic links andvector images included in the received selection input, thereby creatinga user customized on-line store of consumer products with the createdN-layer digital image.

Method 138 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an exemplary embodiment otherembodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

In such an exemplary embodiment at Step 140, a graphical productselection tool 124 is displayed via the application 25 on the servernetwork device 12 to a client network device 12′ via the communicationsnetwork 24. In another embodiment, the product selection tool isdisplayed via the application 25 directly on the client network device12′. The graphical product selection tool 124 displays specific productinformation 126 and product information specifically related topre-determined demographic groups 128-136.

The graphical selection tool 124 allows a user to select whichelectronic links on which vector images will be visible and will bedisplayed when a corresponding vector image of a visual overlay or aconsumer product is displayed. The graphical selection tool 124 allows auser to customize display of the N-layer digital image by allowingdisplay of only those items a user is interesting in seeing.

In one exemplary embodiment, the graphical selection tool 124 isincludes pre-determined information. In another exemplary embodiment,the items displayed by the graphical selection tool are fully and/orpartially customizable by a user.

In one exemplary embodiment, items in a visual overlay and/or for aconsumer product in which electronic links are not selected for displayare changed to a different color (e.g., changed from full color to agray scale coloring, etc.) to further distinguish the items that areselected to make visible. However, the present invention is not limitedto this embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practicethe invention.

At Step 142, a selection input is received on the application 25 on theserver network device 12 via the communications network 24 for selectedones of electronic links from the first set and second set of electroniclinks and for selected one of the vector images from the created firstset of plural vector images and second set of plural vector images todisplay in the N-layer digital image 70, 106.

For example, the selection input may include a request to display allconsumer products that all include all natural ingredients, that furtherinclude sun screen and are currently on sale for Brand-X. for thedemographic group of teen age girls 130, etc.

At Step 144, the N-layer digital image 106 is displayed from theapplication 25 on the server network device 12 to the client networkdevice 12′ via the communications network 24 with the progressiveresolution display displaying only the electronic links and vectorimages included in the received selection input, thereby creating a usercustomized on-line store of consumer products with the created N-layerdigital image 70, 106.

In another exemplary embodiment, Method 136 is practiced only withclient network device 12′ and application 25 and the graphical productselection tool 124 is displayed via the application 25 only the clientnetwork device 12′. In such an embodiment, the N-layer digital image 70,106 may be created directly on the client network device 12′ withoutusing the server network device 12.

In one exemplary embodiment the type of information displayed in theN-layer digital image and/or the M-layer vector image hierarchy iscompletely configurable (e.g., with product selection tool 124). Forexample, a user may select create a N-layer digital image and/or M-layervector image hierarchy by having vector images of consumer products(e.g., 100, 102) at a highest level, wherein a top most level includesconsumer products with a lowest price, a next level includes consumerproducts with higher prices, etc. and a lowest level includes consumerproducts with a highest price. Virtually any ordering and virtually anytype of electronic information can be selected and displayed in theN-layer digital image and/or the M-layer vector image hierarchy.However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments andother embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

Returning to FIG. 9, in another exemplary embodiment, Step 94 furtherincludes storing plural data base entries in a database 22 associatedwith the server network device 12. The stored plural database entriesallow individual vector images in the created N-layer digital image 70,106 to be retrieved and displayed in a progressive resolution format atpre-determined display locations on a display 14.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram 146 illustrating an exemplary database entry148. However, the present invention is not limited to this exemplarydatabase entry and more, fewer or other database field may be used inthe database entries. FIG. 16 also indicates only a two-dimensional datadisplay (e.g., (X, Y) coordinates). In another embodiment, the databaseentries include three-dimensional display (e.g., (X, Y, Z) coordinates.)(See FIG. 17).

FIG. 17 is a block diagram 150 illustrating an exemplary display grid152 for a created N-layer digital image. In one exemplary embodiment,the pre-determined shelf layout (FIG. 3, item 36, FIG. 11, item 112) iscreated using database entries 148 from database 22 and display grid152. In such an embodiment, a database entry 148 is read from database22 and the grid 152 is used to display one or more vector images atpre-determined locations on the shelf layout. FIG. 17 illustratesvarious X, Y and Z orientations. However, the present invention is notlimited to such an embodiment and other X, Y and Z orientations can beused to practice the invention.

Returning to FIG. 9 at Step 96 with additional steps added, Step 96further includes reading a database entry 148 from the database 22associated with the server network device 12 for a selected vectorimage, determining an set of display coordinates (X, Y, Z) from thedatabase entry 148 for the selected vector image and displaying with theapplication 25 from the computer readable medium the selected vectorimage in N-layer digital image 70, 106 with a progressive resolutiondisplay using the determined set of display coordinates.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram 154 illustrating a vector image of a consumerproduct 156 displayed at Level-N in the N-level digital image 106. Thisvector image is vector image 100 (FIG. 10) displayed only with a set ofexemplary electronic links added (all original links displayed in FIG.12) at step 90 of Method 84. However, FIG. 18 is exemplary only andmore, fewer and other electronic links can be displayed at Level-N inthe N-level digital image. Similarly, FIG. 13 illustrates only thoseelectronic links 120 displayed on a visual overlay

In another exemplary embodiment, with additions, Step 96 furtherincludes displaying with the application 25 from the computer readablemedium the created N-layer digital image 106 with a progressiveresolution display by displaying the created vector images for createdvisual overlays 108, 110 at a first level; and displaying with thedisplaying with the application from the computer readable medium vectorimages for the consumer products 112, 100, 102 at a second lower levelbeneath the first level. (FIG. 11). However, the present invention isnot limited to this embodiment.

However the present invention is not limited to use of the exemplarydatabase entries (FIG. 16) or the exemplary display grid (FIG. 17) andthe present invention can be practiced with the N-layer digital image70, 106 stored in a computer readable medium of the network devices 12,12′ and displayed using different types of display grids.

In one embodiment, virtual store display application 25 is used with theSILVERLIGHT® application by MICROSOFT® of Redmond, Wash. to practice themethods and systems described herein. SILVERLIGHT is a free plug-inpowered by the MICROSOFT .NET framework that is compatible acrossmultiple browsers, devices and operating systems to bring a new level ofinteractivity wherever the Web works. With support for advanced dataintegration, multithreading, HD video using IIS Smooth Streaming, andbuilt in content protection, SILVERLIGHT enables online and offlineapplications for a broad range of business and consumer scenarios.However, present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and thepresent invention can be practiced with or without, SILVERLIGHT and/orother similar or non-similar applications and/or frameworks.

In another embodiment, virtual store display application 25 is used withan HTML-5 application. In another embodiment, the virtual store displayapplication 25 is used with a JAVA application, XML application, and/orother types of markup, scripted or complied language (e.g., C, C++, C#,etc.) applications.

In one embodiment, the N-layer digital image 70, 160 is stored in aprogressive resolution format. In another embodiment, the N-layerdigital image is stored in a vector image format. In yet anotherembodiment, the N-layer digital image is stored in other storage formatother than a progressive resolution format. In one embodiment, theN-layer digital image 70, 160 is displayed with a progressive resolutiondisplay. In another embodiment, the N-layer digital image 70, 160 isdisplayed with a display format other than a progressive resolutiondisplay. Various combinations of using and not using progressiveresolution display storage format and using and not using progressiveresolution display techniques can be used with other storage formats andother display techniques as well to practice the invention.

The methods and system described herein are illustrated withdescriptions of consumer products. However, the present invention is notlimited for use with consumer products and other types of products(e.g., commercial products, etc.) and other types of items can also beused to practice the invention.

Displaying Web-Site Information with N-Layer Digital Images

In one embodiment, a N-layer digital image is created using the methodsand system described herein to be used as home page for a website on theInternet, an intranet, cloud communications network 24, etc. In such anembodiment, the N-layer digital image is stored in progressiveresolution format and is view with progressive resolution display. TheN-layer digital image replaces HTML, XML, Java and other types oftextual and/or “flat” and/or one-dimensional electronic informationtypes. In one embodiment, the N-layer digital image is viewed with aconventional browser. In another embodiment, the N-layer digital imageis view with a network (e.g., Internet, intranet, etc. browser plug in(e.g., application 25, etc.).

FIG. 19 is a block diagram 158 illustrating an N-layer digital image160, 161 used as a home page on a website. The N-layer digital image160, 161 includes various combinations of vector images including visualoverlays and other vector images. For example, the N-layer digital image160, 161 may include vector images of visual overlays for a group ofweb-sites for a specific type of search information (e.g., restaurants,hotels, airlines, etc.) or general information. The N-layer digitalimage 160, 161 may also include vector images of visual overlays forgroups of information (e.g., search engine web-sites, etc.). The presentinvention provides a new way to store, display and view information onweb-sites and other information sites connected to a communicationsnetwork (e.g., the Internet, an intranet, etc.).

FIG. 19 illustrates an N-layer digital image as a home page on aweb-site that sells face products 160 or general consumer products 161.However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment andother embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

When used as a home page for a web-site the N-layer digital image may bestored in a progressive resolution format and/or other than aprogressive resolution format, and displayed in a progressive resolutionformat and/or displayed in other than progressive resolution format.

The methods and system described herein create an N-layer digital imagein a stored progressive resolution format and displayed with aprogressive resolution display method that provides a virtual shoppingexperience is similar to and emulates a shopping experience in an actualretail store.

Cloud Computing Networks

FIG. 20 is a block diagram 162 illustrating a cloud communicationsnetwork 24. The cloud computing network 24 is also referred to as a“cloud communications network” 24. However, the present invention is notlimited to this cloud computing model and other cloud computing modelscan also be used to practice the invention. The exemplary cloudcommunications network includes both wired and/or wireless components ofpublic and private networks.

In one embodiment, the cloud computing network 24 includes a cloudcommunications network 24 comprising plural different cloud componentnetworks 174, 176, 178, 180. “Cloud computing” is a model for enabling,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g., public and private networks, servers, storage,applications, and services) that are shared, rapidly provisioned andreleased with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

This exemplary cloud computing model for electronic informationretrieval promotes availability for shared resources and comprises: (1)cloud computing essential characteristics; (2) cloud computing servicemodels; and (3) cloud computing deployment models. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this cloud computing model and other cloudcomputing models can also be used to practice the invention.

Exemplary cloud computing essential characteristics appear in Table 1.However, the present invention is not limited to these essentialcharacteristics and more, fewer or other characteristics can also beused to practice the invention.

TABLE 1 1. On-demand image creation and display services. Electronicimage creation and display servers can unilaterally provision computingcapabilities, such as server time and network storage, as neededautomatically without requiring human interaction with each networkserver 11, 12 on the cloud communications network 24. 2. Broadbandnetwork access. Electronic image creation and display capabilities areavailable over plural broadband communications networks and accessedthrough standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin orthick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, smart phones 14, tabletcomputers 12, laptops, PDAs, etc.). The broadband network accessincludes high speed network access such as 3G and/or 4G wireless and/orwired and broadband and/or ultra-broad band (e.g., WiMAX, etc.) networkaccess. 3. Resource pooling. Electronic image and display computingresources are pooled to serve multiple requesters using a multi-tenantmodel, with different physical and virtual resources dynamicallyassigned and reassigned according to electronic content retrieval demandThere is location independence in that an requester of electroniccontent has no control and/ or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided by the electronic image creation and display resources but maybe able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g.,country, state, or data center). Examples of pooled resources includestorage, processing, memory, network bandwidth, virtual server networkdevice and virtual target network devices. 4. Rapid elasticity.Capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some casesautomatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quicklyscale for electronic image creation and displayers. To the electronicimage creation and displayers, the electronic content storage andretrieval capabilities available for provisioning appear to be unlimitedand can be used in any quantity at any time. 5. Measured Services. Cloudcomputing systems automatically control and optimize resource use byleveraging a metering capability at some level of abstractionappropriate to the type of electronic image creation and displayservices (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, custom electroniccontent retrieval applications, etc.). Electronic image creation anddisplay usage is monitored, controlled, and reported providingtransparency for both the electronic content provider and the electroniccontent requester of the utilized electronic content storage retrievalservice.

Exemplary cloud computing service models illustrated in FIG. 20 appearin Table 2. However, the present invention is not limited to theseservice models and more, fewer or other service models can also be usedto practice the invention.

TABLE 2 1. Cloud Computing Software Applications 164 for ElectronicImage Creation and Display Service (CCSA 166). The capability to use theprovider's applications 25 running on a cloud infrastructure 168. Thecloud computing applications 164, are accessible from the server networdevice 11, 12 from various client devices 12, 12′ through a thin clientinterface such as a web browser, etc. The user does not manage orcontrol the underlying cloud infrastructure 176 including network,servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application 25capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specificapplication configuration settings. 2. Cloud Computing Infrastructure168 for an Electronic Image Creation and Display Service (CCI 170). Thecapability provided to the user is to provision processing, storage andretrieval, networks 18, 174, 166, 178, 180 and other fundamentalcomputing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and runarbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications25. The user does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure 168 but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls, etc.). 3. Cloud Computing Platform 172for the an Electronic Content Storage and Retrieval Service (CCP 174).The capability provided to the user 1 deploy onto the cloudinfrastructure 170 created or acquired application created usingprogramming languages and tools supported servers 11, 12, etc.. The usernot manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure 66 includingnetwork, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control overthe deployed applications 25 and possibly application hostingenvironment configurations.

Exemplary cloud computing deployment models appear in Table 3. However,the present invention is not limited to these deployment models andmore, fewer or other deployment models can also be used to practice theinvention.

TABLE 3 1. Private cloud network 176. The cloud network infrastructureis operated solely for electronic image and display. It may be managedby the electronic content retrieval or a third party and may exist onpremise or off premise. 2. Community cloud network 178. The cloudnetwork infrastructure is sham by several different organizations andsupports a specific electronic content storage and retrieval communitythat has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy,compliance considerations, etc.). It may be managed by the differentorganizations or a third party and may exist on premise or off premise.3. Public cloud network 180. The cloud network infrastructure such asthe Internet, PSTN, SATV, CATV, Internet TV, etc. is made available tothE general public or a large industry group and is owned by one or moreorganizations selling cloud services. 4. Hybrid cloud network 182. Thecloud network infrastructure 168 is a composition of two and/or morecloud networks 24 (e.g., private 176, community 178, and/or public 180,etc.) and/or other types of public and/or private networks (e.g.,intranets, etc.) that remain unique entitie but are bound together bystandardized or proprietary technology that enables data and applicationportability (e.g., cloud bursting for load- balancing between clouds,etc.)

Cloud software 25 for electronic image creation and display takes fulladvantage of the cloud paradigm by being service oriented with a focuson statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semanticinteroperability for electronic content retrieval. However, cloudsoftware services 174 can include various states.

Cloud storage of desired electronic content on a cloud computing networkincludes agility, scalability, elasticity and multi-tenancy. Although astorage foundation may be comprised of block storage or file storagesuch as that exists on conventional networks, cloud storage is typicallyexposed to requesters of desired electronic content as cloud objects.

In one exemplary embodiment, the cloud application 25, offers cloudservices for electronic content storage and retrieval. The application25 offers the cloud computing Infrastructure 168 as a Service 170(IaaS), including a cloud software infrastructure service 170, the cloudPlatform 172 as a Service 174 (PaaS) including a cloud software platformservice 174 and/or offers Specific cloud software services as a Service164 (SaaS) including a specific cloud software service 166 forelectronic content storage and retrieval. The IaaS, PaaS and SaaSinclude one or more of cloud services comprising networking, storage,server network device, virtualization, operating system, middleware,run-time, data and/or application services, or plural combinationsthereof, on the cloud communications network 24.

Television Services

In one embodiment, the cloud application 25 provides cloud electronicimage creation and display services IaaS, PaaS and SaaS from televisionservices over the cloud communications network 24. The televisionservices include digital television services, including, but not limitedto, cable television, satellite television, high-definition television(HDTV), three-dimensional (3D), televisions and other types of networkdevices.

However, the present invention is not limited to such televisionservices and more, fewer and/or other television services can be used topractice the invention.

Internet Television Services

In one embodiment, the cloud application 25 provides cloud electronicimage creation and display services IaaS, PaaS and SaaS from Internettelevision services over the cloud communications network 24. Thetelevision services include Internet television, Web-TV, and/or InternetProtocol Television (IPtv) and/or other broadcast television services.

“Internet television” allows users to choose a program or the televisionshow they want to watch from an archive of programs or from a channeldirectory. The two forms of viewing Internet television are streamingcontent directly to a media player or simply downloading a program to aviewer's set-top box, game console, computer, or other network device.

“Web-TV” delivers digital content via broadband and mobile networks. Thedigital content is streamed to a viewer's set-top box, game console,computer, or other network device.

“Internet Protocol television (IPtv)” is a system through which Internettelevision services are delivered using the architecture and networkingmethods of the Internet Protocol Suite over a packet-switched networkinfrastructure, e.g., the Internet and broadband Internet accessnetworks, instead of being delivered through traditional radio frequencybroadcast, satellite signal, and cable television formats.

However, the present invention is not limited to such InternetTelevision services and more, fewer and/or other Internet Televisionservices can be used to practice the invention.

General Search Engine Services

In one embodiment, the cloud application 25 provides cloud electronicimage creation and display services IaaS, PaaS and SaaS from generalsearch engine services. A search engine is designed to search forinformation on a cloud communications network 24 such as the Internetincluding World Wide Web servers, HTTP, FTP servers etc. The searchresults are generally presented in a list of electronic results. Theinformation may consist of web pages, images, electronic information,multimedia information, and other types of files. Some search enginesalso mine data available in databases or open directories. Unlike webdirectories, which are maintained by human editors, search enginestypically operate algorithmically and/or are a mixture of algorithmicand human input.

In one embodiment, the cloud application 25 provides cloud electronicimage creation and display services IaaS, PaaS and SaaS from generalsearch engine services. In another embodiment, the cloud application 25provides general search engine services by interacting with one or moreother public search engines (e.g., GOOGLE, BING, YAHOO, etc.) and/orprivate search engine services.

In another embodiment, the cloud application 25 provides cloudelectronic image creation and display services IaaS, PaaS and SaaS fromspecialized search engine services, such as vertical search engineservices by interacting with one or more other public vertical searchengines (e.g., GALAXY.COM, etc.) and/or private search engine services.

However, the present invention is not limited to such general and/orvertical search engine services and more, fewer and/or other generalsearch engine services can be used to practice the invention.

Social Networking Services

In one embodiment, the cloud application 25 provides cloud electronicimage creation and display services IaaS, PaaS and SaaS from one moresocial networking services including to/from one or more socialnetworking web-sites (e.g., FACEBOOK, U-TUBE, TWITTER, MY-SPACE,MATCH.COM, E-HARMONY, GROUP ON, SOCIAL LIVING, etc.). The socialnetworking web-sites also include, but are not limited to, socialcouponing sites, dating web-sites, blogs, RSS feeds, and other types ofinformation web-sites in which messages can be left or posted for avariety of social activities.

However, the present invention is not limited to the social networkingservices described and other public and private social networkingservices can also be used to practice the invention.

Music Downloading Services

In one embodiment, the cloud application 25 provides cloud electronicimage creation and display services from services IaaS, PaaS and SaaSfrom one more music downloading services (e.g., ITUNES, RHAPSODY, etc.)at one or more music downloading sites.

However, the present invention is not limited to the social networkingservices described and other public and private social networkingservices can also be used to practice the invention.

Cloud Storage Objects

FIG. 21 is a block diagram 183 illustrating an exemplary cloud storageobject 184.

The cloud storage object 184 includes an envelope portion 186, with aheader portion 188, and a body portion 190. However, the presentinvention is not limited to such a cloud storage object 184 and othercloud storage objects and other cloud storage objects with more, feweror other portions can also be used to practice the invention.

The envelope portion 186 uses unique namespace Uniform ResourceIdentifiers (URIs) and/or Uniform Resource Names (LTRNs), and/or UniformResource Locators (URLs) unique across the cloud communications network24 to uniquely specify, location and version information and encodingrules used by the cloud storage object 184 across the whole cloudcommunications network 24. For more information, see IETF RFC-3305,Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs), URLs, and Uniform Resource Names(URNs), the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

The envelope portion 186 of the cloud storage object 184 is followed bya header portion 188. The header portion 188 includes extendedinformation about the cloud storage objects such as authorization and/ortransaction information, etc.

The body portion 190 includes methods 192 (i.e., a sequence ofinstructions, etc.) for using embedded application-specific data in dataelements 194. The body portion 190 typically includes only one portionof plural portions of application-specific data 194 and independent data196 so the cloud storage object 184 can provide distributed, redundantfault tolerant, security and privacy features described herein.

Cloud storage objects 184 have proven experimentally to be a highlyscalable, available and reliable layer of abstraction that alsominimizes the limitations of common file systems. Cloud storage objects184 also provide low latency and low storage and transmission costs.

Cloud storage objects 184 are comprised of many distributed resources,but function as a single storage object, are highly fault tolerantthrough redundancy and provide distribution of desired electroniccontent across public communication networks 180, and one or moreprivate networks 176, community networks 178 and hybrid networks 182 ofthe cloud communications network 24. Cloud storage objects 184 are alsohighly durable because of creation of copies of portions of desiredelectronic content across such networks 176, 178, 180, 182 of the cloudcommunications network 24. Cloud storage objects 184 includes one ormore portions of desired electronic content and can be stored on any ofthe 176, 178, 180, 182 networks of the cloud communications network 24.Cloud storage objects 184 are transparent to a requester of desiredelectronic content and are managed by cloud applications 25.

In one embodiment, cloud storage objects 184 are configurable arbitraryobjects with a size up to hundreds of terabytes, each accompanied bywith a few kilobytes of metadata. Cloud objects 184 are organized intoand identified by a unique identifier unique across the whole cloudcommunications network 24. However, the present invention is not limitedto the cloud storage objects described, and more fewer and other typesof cloud storage objects can be used to practice the invention.

Cloud storage objects 184 present a single unified namespace orobject-space and manages desired electronic content by user oradministrator-defined policies storage and retrieval policies. Cloudstorage objects includes Representational state transfer (REST), SimpleObject Access Protocol (SOAP), Lightweight Directory Access Protocol(LDAP) and/or Application Programming Interface (API) objects and/orother types of cloud storage objects. However, the present invention isnot limited to the cloud storage objects described, and more fewer andother types of cloud storage objects can be used to practice theinvention.

REST is a protocol specification that characterizes and constrainsmacro-interactions storage objects of the four components of a cloudcommunications network 24, namely origin servers, gateways, proxies andclients, without imposing limitations on the individual participants.

SOAP is a protocol specification for exchanging structured informationin the implementation of cloud services with storage objects. SOAP hasat least three major characteristics: (1) Extensibility (includingsecurity/encryption, routing, etc.); (2) Neutrality (SOAP can be usedover any transport protocol such as HTTP, SMTP or even TCP, etc.), and(3) Independence (SOAP allows for almost any programming model to beused, etc.)

LDAP is a software protocol for enabling storage and retrieval ofelectronic content and other resources such as files and devices on thecloud communications network 24. LDAP is a “lightweight” version ofDirectory Access Protocol (DAP), which is part of X.500, a standard fordirectory services in a network. LDAP may be used with X.509 securityand other security methods for secure storage and retrieval. X.509 ispublic key digital certificate standard developed as part of the X.500directory specification. X.509 is used for secure management anddistribution of digitally signed certificates across networks.

An API is a particular set of rules and specifications that softwareprograms can follow to communicate with each other. It serves as aninterface between different software programs and facilitates theirinteraction.

Creating, Displaying and Managing Product Images with Cloud Computing

FIGS. 22A. 22B, 22C, 22D and 22E are a flow diagram illustrating aMethod 198 for creating, displaying and managing products in a virtualshopping environment. In FIG. 22A at Step 200, a cloud application in anon-transitory computer readable medium on a cloud server network devicewith one or more processors connected to a cloud communications networkcomprising: one or more public communication networks, one or moreprivate networks, one or more community networks and one or more hybridnetworks, creates a first set of plural vector images from pluralcorresponding raster images of consumer products. The created first setof the plural vector images include selected ones of the created firstset of the plural vector images created at different views of theconsumer products and also includes other selected ones of the createdplural the first set of plural vector images created at varying levelsof detail from the general details to the specific details for theconsumer products. At Step 202, the cloud application on the cloudserver network device creates a second set of plural vector images forpre-determined groups of consumer products comprising plural visualoverlays. At Step 204, the cloud application on the cloud server networkdevice adds a first set of electronic links to individual vector imagesin the created first set of plural vector images. Only selected ones ofelectronic links from the first set of electronic links added to anindividual vector image are visible and displayable when the individualvector image for a consumer product is displayed. In FIG. 22B at Step206, the cloud application on the cloud server network device adds asecond set of electronic links to the created second set of the pluralvector images for the created plural of visual overlays. Only selectedones of electronic links from the second set of electronic links addedto an individual vector image are visible and displayable when theindividual vector image for a visual overlay from the plurality ofvisual overlays is displayed. At Step 208, the cloud application on thecloud server network device creates a multi-resolution mosaic (MRM)digital image stored in one or more cloud storage objects in aprogressive resolution format for a pre-determined display layout of theconsumer products with the created first set and the created second setof the plural vector images and the added first and the added secondsets of electronic links. The MRM digital image includes an layeredvector image hierarchy of the created first set and the created secondset of the plural vector images and wherein the layered vector imagehierarchy includes selected ones of vector images from the created firstset of the plural vector images displaying the general details for theconsumer products or groups of consumer products at a first set ofhighest levels in the layered vector image hierarchy and other selectedones of vector images from the created first set of plural vector imagesdisplaying the specific details for the consumer products at lowestlevels in the layered hierarchy and selected ones from the createdsecond set of vector images displaying visual overlays of varying levelof details from the general details to specific details for thepre-determined groups of consumer products at a second set of highestlevels in the layered vector image hierarchy. In FIG. 22C at Step 210,the cloud application on the cloud server network device displays thecreated MRM digital image with a progressive resolution display from theone or more cloud storage objects via the cloud communications networkto allow virtual shopping via the cloud communications network, therebycreating a seller customized on-line store of consumer products with thecreated MRM digital image. At Step 212, the cloud application on thecloud server network device displays from the one or more cloud storageobjects the created MRM digital image with the progressive resolutiondisplay of consumer products with the created plural vector images inthe layered vector image hierarchy, the progressive resolution displayincluding displaying, zooming in and zooming out on selected portions ofthe created MRM digital image and displaying selected ones of the addedone or more sets of electronic links in the plural vector image layersand allowing linking to one or more sets of electronic information fromdifferent vector image layers in the plural vector image layers duringthe progressive resolution display of the created MRM digital image. Theprogressive resolution display of the MRM digital image displays onlythose one or more sets of electronic links added to a vector image layercurrently being viewed in the MRM digital image. At Step 214, the cloudapplication on the cloud server network device displays from the one ormore cloud storage objects with the progressive resolution display ofdifferent vector images and different sets of electronic links providingvector images and electronic links to selected electronic informationvarying from general electronic information to specific electronicinformation as lower layers are viewed in the plurality of vector imagelayers. In FIG. 22D, at Step 216, the cloud application on the cloudserver network device displays from the one or more cloud storageobjects with the progressive resolution display of the MRM digital imagethe created plural vector images in the plural vector image layerswithout converting any of the created plural vector images to anotherformat or downloading any raster images associated with the createdplural vector images over the cloud communications network. At step 218,the cloud application on the cloud server network device displays fromthe one or more cloud storage objects a graphical product selection toolvia the cloud communications network. At Step 220, the graphical productselection tool displays plural types of different consumer productcategories and plural pre-determined demographic groups. At Step 222,one or more selection inputs are received on the graphical productselection tool on the cloud application on the cloud server networkdevice via the cloud communications network to select one or more of theplural types of different consumer product categories or one or more ofplural pre-determined demographic groups. In FIG. 22E at Step 224, thegraphical product selection tool on the cloud application on the cloudserver network device creates on the created plural vector images fromthe MRM digital image plural graphical markers and a plural electroniclinks only for any selected ones of the plural selected types ofdifferent consumer product categories or the pre-determined demographicgroups received in the one or more selection inputs, thereby creating afurther seller customized on-line store of consumer products with thecreated MRM digital image. At Step 226, the cloud application on thecloud server network device stores the created plural graphical markersand the plural electronic links created with the graphical productselection tool with the created MRM digital image in the one or morecloud storage objects. At Step 228, the cloud application on the cloudserver network device displays from the one or more cloud storageobjects in the progressive resolution display the created MRM digitalimage with the plural graphical markers and the plural electronic linkscreated with the graphical product selection tool on the created pluralvector images and on the MRM digital image on one or more target networkdevices each with one or more processors via the cloud communicationsnetwork.

Method 198 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an exemplary embodiment otherembodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

In such an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 22 A at Step 200, a cloudapplication 25 in a non-transitory computer readable medium on a cloudserver network device 12 with one or more processors connected to acloud communications network 24 comprising: one or more publiccommunication networks 180, one or more private networks 176, one ormore community networks 178 and one or more hybrid networks 182, createsa first set of plural vector images from plural corresponding rasterimages of consumer products 20. The created first set of the pluralvector images include selected ones of the created first set of theplural vector images created at different views of the consumer productsand also includes other selected ones of the created plural the firstset of plural vector images created at varying levels of detail from thegeneral details to the specific details for the consumer products (See,e.g., FIGS. 8 and 11 and corresponding text).

At Step 202, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 creates a second set of plural vector images for pre-determinedgroups of consumer products comprising plural visual overlays.

At Step 204, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device25 adds a first set of electronic links to individual vector images inthe created first set of plural vector images. Only selected ones ofelectronic links from the first set of electronic links added to anindividual vector image are visible and displayable when the individualvector image for a consumer product is displayed. (See e.g., FIGS. 8,11, 13).

In FIG. 22B at Step 206, the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 adds a second set of electronic links to the createdsecond set of the plural vector images for the created plural of visualoverlays. Only selected ones of electronic links from the second set ofelectronic links added to an individual vector image are visible anddisplayable when the individual vector image for a visual overlay fromthe plurality of visual overlays is displayed. (See e.g., FIGS. 8, 11,12, 13, 18, etc.).

At Step 208, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 creates a multi-resolution mosaic (MRM) digital image 37, 38, 42, 70stored in one or more cloud storage objects 184 in a progressiveresolution format for a pre-determined display layout of the consumerproducts with the created first set and the created second set of theplural vector images and the added first and the added second sets ofelectronic links.

The MRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70 includes an layered vector imagehierarchy of the created first set and the created second set of theplural vector images and wherein the layered vector image hierarchyincludes selected ones of vector images from the created first set ofthe plural vector images displaying the general details for the consumerproducts or groups of consumer products 20 at a first set of highestlevels in the layered vector image hierarchy and other selected ones ofvector images from the created first set of plural vector imagesdisplaying the specific details for the consumer products at lowestlevels 108 in the layered hierarchy and selected ones from the createdsecond set of vector images displaying visual overlays of varying levelof details from the general details 112 to specific details 108 for thepre-determined groups of consumer products 20 at a second set of highestlevels in the layered vector image hierarchy. (See e.g., FIGS. 8, 11,12, 13, 18, etc.).

In FIG. 22C at Step 210, the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 displays the created MRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70with a progressive resolution display from the one or more cloud storageobjects 184 via the cloud communications network 24 to allow virtualshopping via the cloud communications network, thereby creating a sellercustomized on-line store of consumer products with the created MRMdigital image 37, 38, 42, 70.

At Step 212, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 displays from the one or more cloud storage objects 184 the createdMRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70 with the progressive resolution displayof consumer products with the created plural vector images in thelayered vector image hierarchy, the progressive resolution displayincluding displaying, zooming in and zooming out on selected portions ofthe created MRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70 and displaying selectedones of the added one or more sets of electronic links in the pluralvector image layers and allowing linking to one or more sets ofelectronic information from different vector image layers in the pluralvector image layers during the progressive resolution display of thecreated MRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70. The progressive resolutiondisplay of the MRM digital image displays only those one or more sets ofelectronic links added to a vector image layer currently being viewed inthe MRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70.

At Step 214, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 displays from the one or more cloud storage objects 184 with theprogressive resolution display of different vector images and differentsets of electronic links providing vector images and electronic links toselected electronic information varying from general electronicinformation to specific electronic information as lower layers areviewed in the plurality of vector image layers.

In FIG. 22C at Step 216, the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 displays from the one or more cloud storage objects184 with the progressive resolution display of the MRM digital image 37,38, 42, 70 the created plural vector images in the plural vector imagelayers without converting any of the created plural vector images toanother format or downloading any raster images associated with thecreated plural vector images over the cloud communications network 24.

At step 218, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 displays from the one or more cloud storage objects 184 a graphicalproduct selection tool 124 (FIG. 14) via the cloud communicationsnetwork 24.

At Step 220, the graphical product selection tool displays plural typesof different consumer product categories 126 and plural pre-determineddemographic groups 128, 130, 132, 134, 136.

At Step 222, one or more selection inputs are received on the graphicalproduct selection tool 124 on the cloud application 25 on the cloudserver network device 12 via the cloud communications network 24 toselect one or more of the plural types of different consumer productcategories 126 or one or more of plural pre-determined demographicgroups 128, 130, 132, 134, 136.

In FIG. 22E at Step 224, the graphical product selection tool 124 on thecloud application 25 on the cloud server network device 12 creates onthe created plural vector images from the MRM digital image 108, 37, 38,42, 70 plural graphical markers 120 and a plural electronic links onlyfor any selected ones of the plural selected types of different consumerproduct categories 126 or the pre-determined demographic groups 128,130, 132, 134, 136 received in the one or more selection inputs, therebycreating a further seller customized on-line store of consumer productswith the created MRM digital image 108, 37, 38, 42, 70.

At Step 226, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 stores the created plural graphical markers and the plural electroniclinks created with the graphical product selection tool 124 with thecreated MRM digital image 108, 37, 38, 42, 70 in the one or more cloudstorage objects 184.

At Step 228, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 displays from the one or more cloud storage objects 184 in theprogressive resolution display the created MRM digital image 108, 37,38, 42, 70 with the plural graphical markers and the plural electroniclinks created with the graphical product selection tool 124 on thecreated plural vector images and on the MRM digital image 108, 37, 38,42, 70 on one or more target network devices 12′ each with one or moreprocessors via the cloud communications network 24.

In one embodiment, created MRM digital image comprises 108, 37, 38, 42,70 a web-site 160, 161 used on another cloud server network device 11 onthe cloud communications network 24. In another embodiment, the createdMRM digital image 108, 37, 38, 42, 70 comprises an advertising platform160, 161 available on internet television services, search engineservices and/or social networking services via the cloud communicationsnetwork 24.

Progressive Resolution Display of Product Images from a GraphicalShopping Purchase Object

In one embodiment, one or more selection inputs are received on thegraphical product selection tool from a target network device to selectone or more consumer products from a created MRM digital image.

The graphical product selection tool creates on plural vector imagesfrom the created MRM digital image plural graphical markers and pluralelectronic links only for any selected ones of the plural selectedconsumer products received in the one or more selection inputs, therebycreating a further seller customized on-line store of selected consumerproducts that is stored as a customized MRM digital image.

A user selects one or more of the selected consumer products forpurchase and places the items in a graphical shopping purchase objectthat allows progressive resolution display of the items in the graphicalshopping purchase object.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram 230 illustrating a graphical shoppingpurchase object 232 that provides progressive resolution display of anyconsumer products selected by a user. Consumer products selected by auser are displayed as one or more vector images at a lowest level-N inthe N-level digital image in the M-level customized MRM digital image.Only one selected consumer product 100,156 is illustrated forsimplicity. However, the graphical shopping purchase object 232 wouldtypically include plural selected consumer products for purchase.

For example, if a user selected consumer product 100, it would appear inthe graphical shopping purchase object 232 as consumer product 156displayed at Level-N in the N-level digital image 106 created with userinputs. This vector image of the consumer product in FIG. 23 is thevector image 100 (FIG. 10) displayed with the set of exemplaryelectronic links added (all original links 116 displayed in FIG. 12) atstep 90 of Method 84. The consumer product 156 is at a lowest level-N inthe N-level digital image 106. If the user selected consumer product156, they could return to the various layers of the progressiveresolution display back up to the first or highest level such as Levelone 108 (FIG. 11) and then back down again, etc., directly from thegraphical shopping purchase object 232.

A user can select the consumer product 156 in the graphical shoppingpurchase object 232 and with the progressive resolution display returnto the highest level, level-1 in the N-level digital image to select newor different consumer products directly from the graphical shoppingpurchase object.

Progressive resolution display of selected consumer products directlyfrom the graphical shopping purchase object 232 allows a user to reviewitems that the user desire to purchase and select new, additional and/ordifferent items from the customized on-line store in the customizedplural layer MRM digital image.

In on embodiment, the graphical shopping purchase object 232 includes agraphical shopping cart and/or a graphical shopping bag and/or someother graphical shopping entity used to collect consumer products a userdesires to purchase. However, the present invention is not limited tothese graphical objects and other objects can be used to practice theinvention.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are a flow diagram illustrating Method 234 forprogressive resolution display of selected consumer products directlyfrom a graphical shopping cart/bag. In FIG. 24A at Step 236, Method 198of FIG. 22 is executed until Step 218. At Step 238, the cloudapplication displays from the one or more cloud storage objects agraphical product selection tool via the cloud communications network.At Step 240, one or more selection inputs are received on the graphicalproduct selection tool from a target network device with one or moreprocessors on the cloud application on the cloud server network devicevia the cloud communications network to select one or more consumerproducts from the created MRM digital image. At Step 242, the graphicalproduct selection tool on the cloud application on the cloud servernetwork device creates on the created plural vector images from thecreated MRM digital image plural graphical markers and plural electroniclinks for the one or more consumer products received in the one or moreselection inputs, thereby creating a further seller customized on-linestore of selected consumer products as a customized MRM digital image.At Step 244, the cloud application stores in the one or more cloudstorage objects the customized MRM digital image. In FIG. 24B at Step246, the cloud application on the cloud server network device displaysfrom the one or more cloud storage objects in the progressive resolutiondisplay, the customized MRM digital image with the plural graphicalmarkers and the plural electronic links created with the graphicalproduct selection tool on the created plural vector images and on thecustomized MRM digital image on the target network device via the cloudcommunications network. At Step 248, one or more second selection inputsfrom the target network device are received on the cloud application onthe cloud server network device via the cloud communications network topurchase one or more consumer products from the customized MRM digitalimage. At Step 250, the cloud application on the cloud server networkdevice displays on the target network device from the one or more cloudstorage objects in a graphical shopping purchase object vector images ofthe one or more selected consumer products including the pluralgraphical markers and the plural electronic links at the lowest levelsin the layered hierarchy of the customized MRM digital image andallowing progressive resolution display from the lowest levels in thelayered hierarchy back up to the highest levels layered hierarchy andback down to the lowest levels in the layered hierarchy in thecustomized MRM digital image directly from the graphical shoppingpurchase object to allow new or different consumer products to beselected directly from the graphical shopping purchase object.

Method 234 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an exemplary embodiment otherembodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

In such an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 24A at Step 236, Method 198 ofFIG. 22 is executed until Step 218. However, other methods can be usedto practice the invention and the present invention is not limited tousing Method 198.

At Step 238, the cloud application 25 displays from the one or morecloud storage objects 184 a graphical product selection tool 124 via thecloud communications network 24.

At Step 240, one or more selection inputs are received on the graphicalproduct selection tool 124 from a target network device 12′ with one ormore processors on the cloud application 25 on the cloud server networkdevice 12 via the cloud communications network 24 to select one or moreconsumer products from the created MRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70,108.

At Step 242, the graphical product selection tool 124 on the cloudapplication 25 on the cloud server network device 12 creates on thecreated plural vector images from the created MRM digital image 37, 38,42, 70, 108 plural graphical markers 120 and plural electronic links 116for the one or more consumer products received in the one or moreselection inputs, thereby creating a further seller customized on-linestore of selected consumer products as a customized MRM digital image139, 233.

At Step 244, the cloud application 25 stores in the one or more cloudstorage objects 184 the customized MRM digital image 139, 233.

In FIG. 24B at Step 246, the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 displays from the one or more cloud storage objects184 in the progressive resolution display, the customized MRM digitalimage 139, 233 with the plural graphical markers 120 and the pluralelectronic links 116 created with the graphical product selection tool124 on the created plural vector images and on the customized MRMdigital image 33 on the target network device 12′ via the cloudcommunications network 24.

At Step 248, one or more second selection inputs from the target networkdevice 12′ are received on the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 via the cloud communications network 24 to purchaseone or more consumer products from the customized MRM digital image 139,233.

At Step 250, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 displays on the target network device 12′ from the one or more cloudstorage objects 184 in a graphical shopping purchase object 232, vectorimages of the one or more selected consumer products including theplural graphical markers 120 and the plural electronic links 124 at thelowest levels in the layered hierarchy of the customized MRM digitalimage 139, 233 and allowing progressive resolution display from thelowest levels in the layered hierarchy back up to the highest levelslayered hierarchy and back down to the lowest levels in the layeredhierarchy in the customized MRM digital image 139, 233 directly from thegraphical shopping purchase object 232 to allow new and/or differentconsumer products to be selected directly from the graphical shoppingpurchase object 232.

If new and/or different consumer products are selected via progressiveresolution display from the graphical shopping purchase object 232, theyare added to the graphical shopping purchase object 232 withoutaffecting any selected consumer products 234 already in the graphicalshopping purchase object 232. The progressive resolution display ofselected consumer products in the graphical shopping purchase object 232also allows selected consumer products in the graphical shoppingpurchase object 232 to be compared to other consumer products in thecustomized MRM digital image 139, 233 without removing them from thegraphical shopping purchase object 232. Such actions are not possiblewith graphical shopping carts/bags known the art.

The methods and system described herein create a plural layer MRMdigital image in a stored progressive resolution format in one or morecloud storage objects and displayed via a cloud communications networkwith progressive resolution display methods including progressiveresolution display method from a graphical shopping cart and/or bag thatprovides a virtual shopping experience is similar to and emulates ashopping experience in an actual retail store.

Smart Speakers

A “smart speaker” 51 is a type of wireless speaker and voice commanddevice with an integrated virtual assistant that offers interactiveactions and hands-free activation with the help of one “hot word” (orseveral “hot words”). Some smart speakers can also act as a smart devicethat utilizes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other wireless protocol standards toextend usage beyond audio playback, such as to control home automationdevices. This can include, but is not be limited to, features such ascompatibility across a number of services and platforms, peer-to-peerconnection through mesh networking, virtual assistants, and others. Asmart speaker is an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Each smart speakerhas its own designated interface and features in-house, usually launchedor controlled via an application or home automation software. Some smartspeakers also include a display screen to show the user a visualresponse to an audio command.

AMAZON, GOOGLE, APPLE and other companies make smart speakers withdigital assistants that accepts voice commands and automaticallyprovides automated voice responses. The AMAZON digital assistant iscalled ALEXA, the GOOGLE digital assistant is called HEY GOOGLE, and theAPPLE digital assistant is called, SIRI.

Audio Commands and Responses

Audio commands and responses are used with the present invention tocreate a seller customized on-line store of selected consumer productsas a customized MRM digital image 139, 233. The customized MRM digitalimage 139, 233 is created and stored with audio commands and responseson the cloud server network device 12 even if a target network device12′, such as a smart speaker 51, does not have a display component tovisually display the customized MRM digital image 139, 233. In such anembodiment, the seller customized on-line store of selected consumerproducts as a customized MRM digital image 139, 233 is created withaudio commands and responses and is stored on the cloud server networkdevice 12 even if it is never displayed visually on target networkdevice 12′.

In the present invention, the on-line store of selected consumerproducts as a customized MRM digital image 139, 233, is manipulated withaudio selection inputs instead of manual selection input from a mouse,keyboard, etc. and any visual information in the on-line store ofselected consumer products in and on customized MRM digital image 139,233 is conveyed as audio information with automated, automatic audioresponses created by the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12.

For example, the target network device 12′ may receive the followingaudio information, “You are at Level 1, what products do you want?” fromthe cloud server network device 12. The target network device 12′ maysend an audio request for shampoo, “I want to buy shampoo.” The cloudserver network device 12 may then respond, You are at Level 2, there arethree shampoos, Shampoo-A, Shampoo-B, Shampoo-C, there are 3 informationlinks for Shampoo-A, 11 information links for Shampoo-B, and 4information links for Shampoo-C,” etc. “Which shampoo do you want toselect?”

FIGS. 25A and 25B are a flow diagram illustrating a Method 252 forprogressive resolution display of selected consumer products directlyfrom a graphical shopping cart/bag with audio commands and responses.

In FIG. 25A at Step 254, Method 198 of FIG. 22 is executed until Step218. At Step 256, the cloud application creates from the one or morecloud storage objects a graphical product selection tool via the cloudcommunications network. At Step 258, one or more audio selection inputsare received on a server audio interface on the cloud application on thecloud server network device via the cloud communications network from atarget network device with one or more other processors and with atarget audio interface, to select one or more consumer products in theset of consumer products from the created MRM digital image with audiocommands and responses, the cloud application in communications with agraphical product section tool on the cloud application. At Step 260,the graphical product selection tool on the cloud application on thecloud server network device creates on the created plural vector imagesfrom the created MRM digital image plural graphical markers and pluralelectronic links for the one or more consumer products received in theone or more audio selection inputs, thereby creating a further sellercustomized on-line store of selected consumer products as a customizedMRM digital image. At Step 262, the cloud application stores in the oneor more cloud storage objects the customized MRM digital image. In FIG.25B at Step 264 the cloud application on the cloud server network devicestores from the one or more cloud storage objects in the progressiveresolution display, the customized MRM digital image with the pluralgraphical markers and the plural electronic links created with thegraphical product selection tool on the created plural vector images andon the customized MRM digital image on the target network device via thecloud communications network. At Step 266, one or more second audioselection inputs are received from the target audio interface targetnetwork device on the server audio interface on cloud application on thecloud server network device via the cloud communications network topurchase a desired set of one or more consumer products from thecustomized MRM digital image with audio commands and responses. At Step268, the cloud application on the cloud server network device stores forthe target network device, from the one or more cloud storage objects ina graphical shopping purchase object vector images of the one or moreselected consumer products including the plural graphical markers andthe plural electronic links at the lowest levels in the layeredhierarchy of the customized MRM digital image and allowing progressiveresolution display from the lowest levels in the layered hierarchy backup to the highest levels layered hierarchy and back down to the lowestlevels in the layered hierarchy in the customized MRM digital imagedirectly from the graphical shopping purchase object to allow new ordifferent consumer products to be selected directly from the graphicalshopping purchase object.

Method 252 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an exemplary embodiment otherembodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

In such an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 25A at Step 254, Method 198 ofFIG. 22 is executed until Step 218. However, other methods can be usedto practice the invention and the present invention is not limited tousing Method 198.

At Step 256, the cloud application 25 creates from the one or more cloudstorage objects 184 a graphical product selection tool 124 via the cloudcommunications network 24.

At Step 258, one or more audio selection inputs are received on a serveraudio interface 53′ on the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 via the cloud communications network 24 from a targetnetwork device 12 with one or more other processors and with a targetaudio interface 53, to select one or more consumer products in the setof consumer products from the created MRM digital image 37, 38, 42, 70,108 with audio commands and responses, the cloud application 25 incommunications with a graphical product section tool 124 on the cloudapplication 25.

At Step 260, the graphical product selection tool 124 on the cloudapplication 25 on the cloud server network device 12 creates on thecreated plural vector images from the created MRM digital image 37, 38,42, 70, 108 plural graphical markers 120 and plural electronic links 116for the one or more consumer products received in the one or more audioselection inputs, thereby creating a further seller customized on-linestore of selected consumer products as a customized MRM digital image139, 233.

At Step 262, the cloud application 25 stores in the one or more cloudstorage objects 184 the customized MRM digital image 139, 233.

In FIG. 25B at Step 264, the cloud application 25 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 stores from the one or more cloud storage objects 184in the progressive resolution display, the customized MRM digital image139, 233 with the plural graphical markers 120 and the plural electroniclinks 116 created with the graphical product selection tool 124 on thecreated plural vector images and on the customized MRM digital image 33on the target network device 12′ via the cloud communications network24.

At Step 266, one or more second audio selection inputs are received fromthe target audio interface 53 on the target network device 12′ on theserver audio interface 53′ on cloud application 24 on the cloud servernetwork device 12 via the cloud communications network 24 to purchase adesired set of one or more consumer products from the customized MRMdigital image 139, 233 with audio commands and responses.

At Step 268, the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device12 stores for the target network device 12′ from the one or more cloudstorage objects 184 in a graphical shopping purchase object 232, vectorimages of the one or more selected consumer products including theplural graphical markers 120 and the plural electronic links 124 at thelowest levels in the layered hierarchy of the customized MRM digitalimage 139, 233 and allowing progressive resolution display from thelowest levels in the layered hierarchy back up to the highest levelslayered hierarchy and back down to the lowest levels in the layeredhierarchy in the customized MRM digital image 139, 233 directly from thegraphical shopping purchase object 232 to allow new and/or differentconsumer products to be selected directly from the graphical shoppingpurchase object 232 with audio commands and responses.

If new and/or different consumer products are selected via progressiveresolution display from the graphical shopping purchase object 232 viaaudio commands and responses, they are added to the graphical shoppingpurchase object 232 without affecting any selected consumer products 234already in the graphical shopping purchase object 232. The progressiveresolution display of selected consumer products in the graphicalshopping purchase object 232 also allows selected consumer products inthe graphical shopping purchase object 232 to be compared to otherconsumer products in the customized MRM digital image 139, 233 withoutremoving them from the graphical shopping purchase object 232. Suchactions are not possible with graphical shopping carts/bags known theart.

In one embodiment, if the target network device 12′ has a displaycomponent, then another Step 268 can be executed with additionalfunctionality. The additional functionality includes the cloudapplication 25 on the cloud server network device 12 displaying on adisplay component on the target network device 12′ or another targetnetwork device 12″ with one or more processors, from the one or morecloud storage objects 184 in a graphical shopping purchase object 232,vector images of the one or more selected consumer products includingthe plural graphical markers 120 and the plural electronic links 124 atthe lowest levels in the layered hierarchy of the customized MRM digitalimage 139, 233 and allowing progressive resolution display from thelowest levels in the layered hierarchy back up to the highest levelslayered hierarchy and back down to the lowest levels in the layeredhierarchy in the customized MRM digital image 139, 233 directly from thegraphical shopping purchase object 232 to allow new and/or differentconsumer products to be selected directly from the graphical shoppingpurchase object 232 with audio commands and responses.

In such an embodiment, an owner of a first target device such as smartspeakers 51 may select one or more consumer products with audio commandsand responses and then visually view and display the seller customizedon-line store of selected consumer products as a customized MRM digitalimage 139, 233, created and stored on the cloud application 25 on thecloud server network device 12 on a second network device 12′ with adisplay component such as a smart phone, tablet, computer, etc.

In one embodiment, the seller customized on-line store of selectedconsumer products as a customized MRM digital image 139, 233 issynchronized (e.g., with an e-mail address, phone number, unique loginidentifier, etc.) across all target network devices commonly owned by auser. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodimentand other embodiments without synchronization can be used to practicethe invention.

Method 252 in FIGS. 25A and 25B can be used even if a user of the targetnetwork device 12′ typically would use manual inputs from a mouse orkeyboard to select and order products in the in the customized MRMdigital image 139, 233. As long as the target network device 12′ has anaudio interface 53 for accepting voice and/or audio commands, Method 252can be used. In addition a combination of manual inputs and voice and/oraudio inputs can be used to create and manipulate the customized MRMdigital image 139, 233 to practice the invention using the methods andsystem described herein.

The methods and system described herein include displaying and managingimages of consumer products with audio commands and responses. One ormore consumer products are selected with target network device with atarget audio interface. An N-layer digital image is created thatincludes an M-layer hierarchy of vector images and/or visual overlays inprogressive resolution format and allows progressive resolution displaywithout loss of image quality on the selected plural consumer productsthat appear in the N-layer digital image. Consumer products are selectedwith audio commands and audio responses from the target network devicevia audio commands sent and received on the target audio interface.Consumer products selected with audio commands are placed in a graphicalshopping cart/bag that provides progressive resolution display directlyfrom the graphical shopping cart/bag and allows new or differentconsumer products to be selected directly from the graphical shoppingcart/bag via audio commands and responses.

Wearable Network Devices

“Wearable mobile technology” and/or “wearable devices” are clothing andaccessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies.Wearable mobile network devices provide several advantages including,but not limited to: (1) Quicker access to notifications. Importantand/or summary notifications are sent to alert a user to view a wholenew message. (2) Heads-up information. Digital eye wear allows users todisplay relevant information like directions without having toconstantly glance down; (3) Always-on Searches. Wearable devices providealways-on, hands-free searches; and (4) Recorded data and feedback.Wearable devices also take telemetric data recordings and providinguseful feedback for users for exercise, health, fitness, activities etc.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram 270 illustrating exemplary wearable networkdevices.

In FIG. 26, the wearable devices include one or more processors andinclude, but are not limited to, wearable digital glasses 272 (e.g.,GOOGLE Glass, etc.), clothing 274 (e.g., smart ties, smart headwear,smart tops and bottoms, etc.), jewelry 276 (e.g., smart rings, smartearrings, etc.), watches 278 (e.g., SONY, NIKE, SAMSUNG, NIKE, GARMIN,APPLE, etc.) and/or wrist bands or fitness bands 280 (e.g. GARMIN,FITBIT, POLAR, NIKE, JAWBONE, LG, etc.). The wearable mobile devices272-280 includes the virtual store application 25, 25′ to provide thevirtual store with progressive resolution to the wearable networkdevices 272-280. The wearable devices are also wearable by animals(e.g., service dogs, pets, etc.) to provide the virtual store theanimals owner. All of the wearable devices 272-280 have one or moreprocessors, a non-transitory computer readable medium and/or selectedones have other components including, but not limited to,accelerometers, altimeters, music control, phone compatibility, etc.However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments andmore, fewer and other types of wearable devices can also be used topractice the invention.

Digital eyewear 272, such as GOOGLE Glass, Smart watches by SONY, NIKE,GARMIN, SAMSUNG, APPLE, wrist bands and/or fitness bands by LG, NIKE,FITBIT, etc. and others are examples of wearable mobile devices.

The wearable device clothing 274 includes “smart clothing,” includingbut not limited to (1) smart tops; (2) smart bottoms; (3) smart swimsuits; (4) smart medical clothing; (5) smart socks; (6) smart hats; (7)smart underwear; (8) smart shoes; and/or (9) smart suits. “Smartclothing” may consist of materials that have embedded sensors, embeddeddetection capabilities, or embedded devices.

The “smart tops” include for example, smart compression shirts and othertypes of smart shirts or tops with a heart rate capture point sensors ona front and and/or a pocket on the back for a Global Positioning System(GPS) sensor, that tracks motion and heart rate metrics in real-time.The smart shirts allow broadcast of live training data allowing athletesand coaches to monitor conditioning and fitness levels. Other smart topsinclude micro-EMG sensors that detect which muscles are working andtransfer this workout data to a smartphone via a Bluetooth core. Muscleeffort, heart rate and breathing are all tracked.

Other smart tops include “smart jackets” including touch and gesturesensitive areas on jacket sleeves. Users interact with a variety ofservices including music and GPS map apps provided a smart phoneincluded in a jacket pocket. A user will also be able to answer anddismiss phone calls, select music or get directions all without reachingfor attached smart phone.

The “smart bottoms” includes for example, smart running shorts andrunning tights, sweat pants and with including sensors that monitors ahost of metrics including GPS location information, cadence, groundcontact time, pelvic rotation and stride length. The smart bottomssupport real-time coaching with feedback sent through to wirelessheadphones to help improve running form and reduce the chances ofinjury.

The “smart swimsuits” includes for example, Swimsuits equipped with aremovable medallion-style waterproof sensor that aims to prevent aperson from staying too long in the sun. The smart swimsuits allow auser to enter a skin type in a companion application 26 (e.g., APPLE orANDROID smartphone app, etc.) the application will continuously monitorthe temperature throughout the day and will send out warnings when it'stime to apply some more sunscreen or get into the shade.

The “smart medical clothing” includes for example, a smart compressionsleeve that uses electrocardiogram (ECG) technology to monitor heartrate activity, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, etc. “Smart medicalclothing” also has environmental sensors to detect radiation,contaminants, and other abnormal dangerous substances. The smartcompression sleeve also has sensors to monitor body temperature, airquality and ultra violet (UV) sun rays. The smart medical clothing alsoincludes smart medical socks and medical hats.

Smart watches also include technology that provides medical informationincluding, but not limited to, technology to monitor heart rateactivity, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, etc.

The “smart socks” include for example, includes a (1) baby socks as amonitor for babies that uses pulse oximetry technology used in hospitalsand monitor heart rates to make sure the baby's breathing isappropriate. It pairs with an IPHONE or ANDROID companion app overBluetooth to deliver data in real-time; and (2) running socks providinginformation on pace, distance and time and running style, which can leadto faster times and a reduced risk of injury. The socks feature threetextile pressure sensors, which measure the pressure placed on the footduring running. The socks feature textile pressure sensors, whichmeasure a pressure placed on the foot during running.

The “smart hats” for example include, a smart baby hat that monitorsvital signs monitor for newborn babies. It can measure temperature,heart rate, respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation. The baby hatcan be wirelessly synced, via Bluetooth to smart phones and tablets.Doctors and nurses can check up on the vital signs of one or all babiesa room at a glance and get alerts on any changes in temperature or heartrate, etc.

The “smart underwear” for example includes, smart sports bras thatrecord distances runs, breathing rates, heart rate and calculatesrecovery time. The smart bra is synced, via Bluetooth to smart phonesand tablets.

The “smart suits” for example, include business suits that that collectbiometric weather and UV data. One smart suit includes an NFC smartsuit, that lets the wearer unlock and answer their smart phone, swapbusiness cards digitally and sync with other devices in an office suchas a fax machine, printer, etc. via the NFC communications protocol.

The “smart shoes” include for example, smart shoes with a heart ratecapture point sensors, a GPS sensor, motion sensors, and/oraccelerometers, that track motion and heart rate metrics in real-time.The smart shoes allow broadcast of live training data allowing athletesand coaches to monitor conditioning and fitness levels. Other smartshoes include micro-EMG sensors that detect which muscles are workingand transfer this workout data to a smartphone via a Bluetooth core.Muscle effort, heart rate and breathing are all tracked.

In one embodiment, the wearable network devices 272-280 and mobilenetwork devices 12, 12′ including the virtual store application 25, 25′are used with artificial reality technologies.

However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary smartclothing described herein and more, fewer or other types of smartclothing can be used to practice the invention.

Progressive Resolution Display with Artificial Reality Commands andResponses

Artificial realities includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality(AR) and/or Mixed reality (MR).

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to orcompletely different from the real world. Current applications ofvirtual reality include entertainment (e.g. video games, etc.),education (e.g., technical training, medical training, militarytraining, etc.) and business (e.g. virtual meetings, etc.). Otherdistinct types of VR-style technology include augmented reality andmixed reality, sometimes referred to as extended reality or XR.

There are two types of VR; immersive VR and text-based networked VR(also known as “Cyberspace VR”). The immersive VR changes your view,when you move your head. While both VRs are appropriate for training,Cyberspace VR is used for distance learning. In some cases these twotypes are even complementary to each other.

Currently, standard virtual reality systems use either virtual realityheadsets or multi-projected environments to generate realistic images,sounds and other sensations that simulate a user's physical presence ina virtual environment. A person using virtual reality equipment is ableto look around the artificial world, move around in it, and interactwith virtual features or items. The effect is commonly created by VRheadsets consisting of a head-mounted display with a small screen infront of the eyes, but can also be created through specially designedrooms with multiple large screens. Virtual reality typicallyincorporates auditory and video feedback, but may also allow other typesof sensory and force feedback through haptic technology.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a type of virtual reality technology thatblends what the user sees in their real surroundings with digitalcontent generated by computer software. The additionalsoftware-generated images with the virtual scene typically enhance howthe real surroundings look in some way. AR systems layer virtualinformation over a camera live feed into a headset or smart glasses orthrough mobile devices giving the user the ability to viewthree-dimensional images.

The terms augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are oftenconfused. AR is any hardware and/or software that overlays text orgraphics on real-world images or video. VR is any hardware and/orsoftware that places the user in a completely artificial environment.

For example, the digital application POKEMON GO, is an AR mobile gamedeveloped and published by NIANTIC in collaboration with NINTENDO andThe POKÉMON COMPANY for APPLE iOS and ANDROID devices. POKEMON GO usesmobile devices with GPS to locate, capture, train, and battle virtualcreatures, called POKEMON, which appear as if they are in the player'sreal-world physical location.

Mixed reality (MR) is the merging of the real world and virtual worldsto produce new environments and visualizations where physical anddigital objects co-exist and interact in real-time.

FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C and 27D are a flow diagram illustrating a Method 282for progressive resolution display of selected consumer products withartificial reality commands and responses.

In FIG. 27A at Step 284, Method 198 of FIG. 22 is executed until Step216. At Step 286, a server artificial reality application on the cloudapplication on the cloud server network device creates plural artificialreality objects. The plural artificial reality objects each include aphysical location tag including actual physical location information ina desired physical space and an information tag including time, date,product and/or coupon information for the set of consumer products. AtStep 288, the server artificial reality application on the cloudapplication adds a set of artificial reality electronic links to thecreated plural artificial reality objects to link the created pluralartificial reality objects to plural different locations in the createdMRM digital image for the set of consumer products. At Step 290, a firstlocation information message is received on the server artificialreality application on the cloud application on the cloud server networkdevice via the communications network indicating that a target networkdevice with one or more other processors has reached a first physicallocation in the desired physical space that matches a first physicallocation tag for a first virtual reality object from created the pluralartificial reality objects.

In FIG. 27B at Step 292, the server artificial reality application onthe cloud application on the cloud server network device displays viathe cloud communications network, the first artificial reality object ona display component via a target artificial reality application on thetarget network device.

At Step 294, one or more first selection inputs are received on theserver artificial reality application on the cloud application on thecloud server network device via the cloud communications network fromthe target artificial reality application on the target network device,to select one or more first consumer products in the set of consumerproducts from the created MRM digital image via the first artificialreality object.

FIG. 27C at Step 296, the server artificial reality application on thecloud application on the cloud server network device displays via thecloud communications network on the display component via the targetvirtual store application on the target network device, a first set ofvector images linked to the first artificial reality object for a firstset of one or more consumer products from the set of consumer productsincluding the plural graphical markers and the plural new electroniclinks at the highest levels in the layered hierarchy of the created MRMdigital image and allowing progressive resolution display from thehighest levels in the layered hierarchy down to the lowest levels in thelayered hierarchy and back up to the highest levels in the layeredhierarchy in the created MRM digital image directly from the targetartificial reality application on the target network device, theprogressive resolution display also allowing a new or different firstdesired set of consumer products from the set of consumer products to beselected directly on the target artificial reality application on thetarget network device with the one or more additional first selectioninputs. At Step 298, a second location information message is receivedon the server artificial reality application the cloud application onthe cloud server network device indicating that the target networkdevice has reached a second physical location in the desired physicalspace that matches a second physical location tag for a second virtualreality object from the created plural artificial reality objects.

In FIG. 27D at Step 300, the server artificial reality application onthe cloud application on the cloud server network device displays viathe cloud communications network, the second artificial reality objecton the display component via the target artificial reality applicationon the target network device. At Step 302, one or more second selectioninputs are received on the server artificial reality application on thecloud application on the cloud server network device via the cloudcommunications network from the target artificial reality application onthe target network device, to select one or more second consumerproducts in the set of consumer products from the created MRM digitalimage via the a second artificial reality object. At Step 304, theserver artificial reality application on the cloud application on thecloud server network device displays via the cloud communicationsnetwork, on the display component via the target artificial realityapplication on the target network device, a second set of vector imageslinked to the second artificial reality object for the second set of oneor more consumer products including the plurality of graphical markersand the plurality of new electronic links at the highest levels in thelayered hierarchy of the created MRM digital image and allowingprogressive resolution display from the highest levels in the layeredhierarchy down to the lowest levels in the layered hierarchy and back upto the highest levels in the layered hierarchy in the created MRMdigital image directly from the target artificial reality application onthe target network device, the progressive resolution display alsoallowing a new or different second desired set of consumer products fromthe set of consumer products to be selected directly on the targetartificial reality application on the target network device with the oneor more additional second selection inputs.

Method 282 is illustrated with an exemplary embodiment. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such an exemplary embodiment otherembodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

In FIG. 27A at Step 284, Method 198 of FIG. 22 is executed until Step216. This creates the MRM digital image 37, 48, 42, 70 and the links,etc. for a selected set of consumer products 59 (FIG. 3).

At Step 286, server artificial reality application 99′ on the cloudapplication 25 on the cloud server network device 11 creates pluralartificial reality objects 287, 287′ (only two of which are illustratedfor simplicity in FIG. 28). The plural artificial reality objects 287,287′ each include a physical location tag 287 a, 287 a′ including anactual physical location 291, 291′ information in a desired physicalspace (e.g., a department store, a grocery store, a retail store, etc.)and an information tag 287 b, 287 b′ including time, date and productinformation 46-52, 116, 232 (FIGS. 5, 18 and 32) coupon information 55(FIG. 5), etc. for the set of consumer products 59.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram 308 illustrating exemplary artificial realityobjects 287, 287′.

In one embodiment, the physical location tag 287 a, 287 a′ includesphysical location information including, but is not limited to, a GlobalPosition System (GPS) tag which includes GPS coordinate information.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigationsatellite system (GNSS) that provides reliable location and timeinformation in all weather and at all times and anywhere on or near theEarth. A GPS receiver calculates its position by precisely timingsignals sent by GPS satellites. A GPS receiver uses the messages itreceives to determine a transit time of each message and computes adistance to each GPS satellite. These distances along with thesatellites' locations are used with the possible aid of triangulation,depending on which algorithm is used, to compute a current physicalposition of the GPS receiver. This position is then displayed, perhapswith a moving map and/or latitude and longitude (X, Y) and/or elevationand/or speed, height, depth, acceleration, de-acceleration, velocity,temperature, barometric pressure information, other pressure informationand/other information for the (Z) coordinate may also be included. ManyGPS units also show derived information such as travel direction andspeed, calculated from position changes. The GPS coordinates includestandard GPS, GPS map, Digital GPS (DGPS) and/or other types of GPSinformation.

In another embodiment, the physical location tag 287 a, 287 a′ includestwo-dimensional (2D) (e.g., X, Y) location information and/orthree-dimensional (3D) (X, Y, Z) location information, Cartesiancoordinate information, Euclidean space information, geo-spacecoordinate information, geographic information and/or types of physicallocation information and/or combinations thereof. The present inventionis not limited to the type of current physical location informationdescribed and other types of physical location information can be usedto practice the invention.

For example, a selected target network device 12′, 272-280 includes aGPS component and the artificial reality object 287 includes a physicallocation tag 287 a with GPS coordinate information. When the targetnetwork device 12′, 272-280 reaches a physical location 291 that matchesthe GPS information stored in the physical location tag 287 a, theartificial reality object 287 is displayed on a display screen on thetarget network device 12′, 272-280. As the target network device 12′,272-280 moves to new physical locations 291′ with different physicallocation tag information 287 a′, a new and different artificial realityobject 287′ is displayed on the display screen of the target networkdevice 12′, 272-280, etc.

In one embodiment, the information tag 287 b includes time, date,product and coupon information includes time and date information forsale and promotional items and digital coupon information for selectedconsumer products. The digital coupon information is accessed from thetarget artificial reality application on the target network deviceduring a purchase process for the selected consumer products.

The present invention is not limited to the types information describedand other types of information can be used to practice the invention inthe information tag 287 b. When a time and date on a time and componenton the target network device 12′, 272-280 matches the information tag287 b, the informational items such as sale information, electroniccoupon information, product information, 100, 102, 116, etc. isdisplayed on a display component on the target network device 12′,272-280 during a purchase process for the desired consumer products.

In one embodiment, a camera component 15 on the on the target networkdevice 12′ displays current physical objects 289, 289′ (e.g., physicalobjects on store shelves, on store displays, etc.) on the displaycomponent of the target network device 12′ and the artificial realityobjects 287 and 287′ are displayed on and/or around the physical objects289, 289′ as two-dimensions (2D) shapes, three-dimensional (3D) shapes,etc. In one embodiment, the 287 and 287′ are displayed as 3D shapes onthe display component and appear to “float” on and/or move about aroundthe physical objects 289, 289′. In another embodiment, promotional itemsand/or sale items are intentionally displayed “closer” to a frontportion of the display component of the target network device 12′ sothey stand out and are easily distinguishable from other consumerproduct items. However the present invention is not limited to such anembodiment and the invention can be practiced with and/or without usinga camera component 15 on the target network device 12′.

In one embodiment, the target network device 12′ includes VR/AR/MRheadsets 273 such as those sold by HTC, SONY, OCULUS and others. TheVR/AR/MR headsets 273 transform a field of vision providing a 360° view,so Interactive landscapes can be explored. The VR/AR/IR headsets 273typically use additional devices such as smart phones, electronictablets, personal computers, portable game consoles, etc. and includeadditional components such as controllers, haptic devices for handsand/or feet, etc. that are connected to the VR/AR/MR headsets 273 withwireless and/or wired interfaces.

“Haptic devices” include any technology that can create an experience oftouch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user. Hapticdevices may incorporate tactile sensors or other sensors that measureforces exerted by the user via a haptic interface.

However, the present invention is not limited to using VR/AR/MR headsets273 with associated components and the present invention can bepracticed directly with most target network devices 12′ including theartificial reality application 99, without using any VR/AR/MR headsets273.

FIG. 28 illustrates only one artificial reality object 287, 287′ foreach set of selected consumer products 289, 289′ for simplicity. Howeverthe present invention is not limited to display of just one artificialreality object 287, 287′ for each set of selected consumer products 289,289′ and plural artificial reality object 287, 287′ are typicallydisplayed for each set of selected consumer products 289, 289′.

Returning to FIG. 27A at Step 288, the server artificial realityapplication 99′ on the cloud application 25 adds a set of artificialreality electronic links to the created plural artificial realityobjects 287, 287′ to link the created plural artificial reality objects287, 287′ to plural different locations 72-80 in the created MRM digitalimage 37, 48, 42, 70 for the selected set of consumer products 59.

In one embodiment, the created plural artificial reality objectsinclude, but are not limited to, graphical (e.g., FIG. 28), audio,video, electronic text and/or digital image, artificial reality objects,or combinations thereof. However, the present invention is not limitedto such embodiments and other embodiments can be used to practice theinvention.

At Step 290, a first location information message is received on theserver artificial reality application 99′ on the cloud application 25 onthe cloud server network device 11 indicating that a target networkdevice 12′ with one or more other processors has reached a firstphysical location 289 in the desired physical space (e.g., departmentstore, grocery store, retail store, etc.) that matches a first physicallocation tag 287 a for a first virtual reality object 287 from thecreated artificial reality objects, 287, 287′.

In FIG. 27B at Step 292, the server artificial reality application 99′on the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device 11displays via the cloud communications network 24, the first artificialreality object 287 on a display component via a target artificialreality application 99 on the target network device 12′.

In one embodiment, the target artificial reality application 99 and theserver artificial reality application 99′ includes virtual reality (VR),augmented reality (AR) and/or mixed reality (MR), artificial realityapplications, and/or combinations thereof. However, the presentinvention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments andother types of artificial reality applications can be used practice theinvention.

At Step 294, one or more first selection inputs are received on theserver artificial reality application 99′ on the cloud application 25 onthe cloud server network device 11 via the cloud communications network24 from the artificial reality 99 on the target network device 12′, toselect one or more first consumer products 289 in the set of consumerproducts 59 from the created MRM digital image 37, 48, 42, 70 via thefirst artificial reality object 287.

In FIG. 27C at Step 296, the server artificial reality application 99′on the cloud application 25 on the cloud server network device 11displays via the cloud communications network 24 on the displaycomponent via the target artificial reality application 99 on the targetnetwork device 12′, a first set of vector images 108, 110, 112 linked tothe first artificial reality object 287 for the first set of one or moreconsumer products 59 including the plural graphical markers and theplural new electronic links at the highest levels 74 in the layeredhierarchy of the created MRM digital image 37, 48, 42, 70 and allowingprogressive resolution display from the highest levels 74 in the layeredhierarchy down to the lowest levels 80 in the layered hierarchy and backup to the highest levels 74 in the layered hierarchy in the created MRMdigital image 37, 48, 42, 70 directly from the target artificial realityapplication 99 on the target network device 12′, the progressiveresolution display also allowing a new or different first desired set ofconsumer products 289 from the set of consumer products 59′ to beselected directly on the target artificial reality application 99 on thetarget network device 12′ with the one or more additional firstselection inputs.

At Step 298, a second location information message is received on theserver artificial reality application 99′ the cloud application 25′ onthe cloud server network device 11 indicating that the target networkdevice 12′ has reached a second physical location 289′ in the desiredphysical space that matches a second physical location tag 287 a′ for asecond virtual reality object 287 from the created plural artificialreality objects 287, 287′.

In FIG. 27D at Step 300, the server artificial reality application 99′on the cloud application 25′ on the cloud server network device 11displays via the cloud communications network 24, the second artificialreality object 287′ on the display component via the target artificialreality application 99 on the target network device 12′.

At Step 302, one or more second selection inputs are received on theserver artificial reality application 99′ on the cloud application 25 onthe cloud server network device 11 via the cloud communications network24 from the target artificial reality application 99 on the targetnetwork device 12, to select one or more second consumer products 289′in the set of consumer products 59 from the created MRM digital image37, 48, 42, 70 via the a second artificial reality object 287′.

At Step 304, the server artificial reality application 99′ on the cloudapplication 25 on the cloud server network device 11 displays via thecloud communications network 24 on the display component via the targetartificial reality application 99 on the target network device 12′, asecond set of vector images 108, 110, 112 linked to the first artificialreality object 287 for the second set of one or more consumer products59 including the plural graphical markers and the plural new electroniclinks at the highest levels 74 in the layered hierarchy of the createdMRM digital image 37, 48, 42, 70 and allowing progressive resolutiondisplay from the highest levels 74 in the layered hierarchy down to thelowest levels 80 in the layered hierarchy and back up to the highestlevels 74 in the layered hierarchy in the created MRM digital image 37,48, 42, 70 directly from the target artificial reality application 99 onthe target network device 12′, the progressive resolution display alsoallowing a new or different second desired set of consumer products 289from the set of consumer products 59′ to be selected directly on thetarget artificial reality application 99 on the target network device12′ with the one or more additional second selection inputs.

In one embodiment, the product selection tool 124 (FIG. 14) is used froma target network 12′ to customize an artificial reality shoppingexperience based on user shopping preferences. The product selectiontool controls which artificial reality objects 287, 287′ are actuallydisplayed on the display component on the target network device 12′.However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and thepresent invention can be practiced with and/or without using the productselection tool 124.

A method and system for displaying and managing products with artificialrealities is presented herein. An N-layer digital image is created thatincludes an M-layer hierarchy of vector images and/or visual overlays inprogressive resolution format and allows progressive resolution displaywithout loss of image quality for selected plural consumer products thatappear in the N-layer digital image. Plural artificial reality objectsare created with physical location information and product information.Consumer products are displayed via the N-layer digital image from aserver network device via a communications network whenever a targetnetwork device matches a current physical location included in thephysical location information in an artificial reality object.

It should be understood that the architecture, programs, processes,methods and systems described herein are not related or limited to anyparticular type of computer or network system (hardware or software),unless indicated otherwise. Various types of general purpose orspecialized computer systems may be used with or perform operations inaccordance with the teachings described herein.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles ofthe present invention can be applied, it should be understood that theillustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the present invention. For example, the steps ofthe flow diagrams may be taken in sequences other than those described,and more or fewer elements may be used in the block diagrams.

While various elements of the preferred embodiments have been describedas being implemented in software, in other embodiments hardware orfirmware implementations may alternatively be used, and vice-versa.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order orelements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term“means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6,and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended.

Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of thefollowing claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

I claim:
 1. A method for displaying and managing products in a virtualdisplay environment with a cloud communications network, comprising:creating with a cloud application in a non-transitory computer readablemedium on a cloud server network device with one or more processorsconnected to a cloud communications network, a first set of a pluralityof vector images from a plurality of corresponding raster images of aset of consumer products, wherein the created first set of the pluralityof vector images include selected ones of the created first set of theplurality of vector images created at different views of the set ofconsumer products and also include other selected ones of the createdfirst set of the plurality of vector images created at varying levels ofdetail from general details to specific details for the set of consumerproducts; creating with the cloud application a second set of aplurality of vector images for pre-determined groups of the set ofconsumer products comprising a plurality of visual overlays; adding withthe cloud application a first set of electronic links to individualvector images in the created first set of the plurality of vectorimages, wherein only selected ones of electronic links from the firstset of electronic links added to an individual vector image are visibleand displayable when the individual vector image for an individualconsumer product from the set of consumer products is displayed; addingwith the cloud application a second set of electronic links to thecreated second set of the plurality of vector images for the createdplurality of visual overlays, wherein only selected ones of electroniclinks from the second set of electronic links added to the individualvector image are visible and displayable when the individual vectorimage for an individual visual overlay from the created plurality ofvisual overlays is displayed; creating with the cloud application amulti-resolution mosaic (MRM) digital image stored in one or more cloudstorage objects in a progressive resolution format for a pre-determineddisplay layout of the set of consumer products with the created firstset and the created second set of the plurality of vector images and theadded first and the added second sets of electronic links, wherein thecreated MRM digital image includes a layered vector image hierarchy ofthe created first set and the created second set of the plurality ofvector images and wherein the layered vector image hierarchy includesselected ones of vector images from the created first set of theplurality of vector images displaying the general details for the set ofconsumer products at a first set of highest levels in the layered vectorimage hierarchy and other selected ones of vector images from thecreated first set of the plurality of vector images displaying thespecific details for the set of consumer products at lowest levels inthe layered hierarchy and selected ones from the created second set ofthe plurality of vector images displaying the created plurality ofvisual overlays of varying level of details from the general details tospecific details for the pre-determined groups of the set of consumerproducts at a second set of highest levels in the layered vector imagehierarchy; storing with the cloud application the created MRM digitalimage with a progressive resolution display from the one or more cloudstorage objects via the cloud communications network to allow virtualshopping via the cloud communications network; storing with the cloudapplication from the one or more cloud storage objects the created MRMdigital image with the progressive resolution display of the set ofconsumer products with the created plurality of vector images in thelayered vector image hierarchy, the progressive resolution displayincluding displaying, zooming in and zooming out on selected portions ofthe created MRM digital image and displaying selected ones of the addedfirst set or second set of electronic links in the plurality of vectorimage layers and allowing linking to one or more sets of electronicinformation from different vector image layers in the plurality ofvector image layers during the progressive resolution display of thecreated MRM digital image, wherein the progressive resolution display ofthe created MRM digital image displays only the selected ones ofelectronic links added to a vector image layer currently being viewed inthe created MRM digital image, wherein varying from general electronicinformation to specific electronic information as lower layers areviewed in the plurality of vector image layers; storing with the cloudapplication from the one or more cloud storage objects with theprogressive resolution display of the created MRM digital image thecreated plurality of vector images in the plurality of vector imagelayers without converting any of the created plurality of vector imagesto another format or downloading any raster images associated with thecreated plurality of vector images over the cloud communicationsnetwork; creating with a server artificial reality application on thecloud application on the cloud server network device, a plurality ofartificial reality objects, wherein the plurality of artificial realityobjects each include a physical location tag including actual physicallocation information in a desired physical space and an information tagincluding time, date, product and coupon information for the set ofconsumer products; adding with the server artificial reality applicationon the cloud application a set of artificial reality electronic links tothe plurality of artificial reality objects to link the plurality ofartificial reality objects to a plurality of different locations in thecreated MRM digital image for the set of consumer products; receiving afirst location information message on the server artificial realityapplication the cloud application on the cloud server network deviceindicating that a target network device with one or more otherprocessors has reached a first physical location in the desired physicalspace that matches a first physical location tag for a first virtualreality object from the created plurality of artificial reality objects;displaying from server artificial reality application on the cloudapplication on the cloud server network device via the cloudcommunications network, the first artificial reality object on a displaycomponent via a target artificial reality application on the targetnetwork device; receiving one or more first selection inputs on theserver artificial reality application on the cloud application on thecloud server network device via the cloud communications network fromthe target artificial reality application on the target network device,to select one or more first consumer products in the set of consumerproducts from the created MRM digital image via the first artificialreality object; displaying from the server artificial realityapplication on the cloud application on the cloud server network devicevia the cloud communications network, on the display component via thetarget artificial reality application on the target network device, thefirst set of vector images linked to the first artificial reality objectfor the first set of one or more consumer products including a pluralityof graphical markers and a plurality of new electronic links at thehighest levels in the layered hierarchy of the created MRM digital imageand allowing progressive resolution display from the highest levels inthe layered hierarchy down to the lowest levels in the layered hierarchyand back up to the highest levels in the layered hierarchy in thecreated MRM digital image directly from the target artificial realityapplication on the target network device, the progressive resolutiondisplay also allowing a new or different first desired set of consumerproducts from the set of consumer products to be selected directly onthe target artificial reality application target network device with theone or more additional first selection inputs; receiving a secondlocation information message on the server artificial realityapplication the cloud application on the cloud server network deviceindicating that the target network device has reached a second physicallocation in the desired physical space that matches a second physicallocation tag for a second virtual reality object from the createdplurality of artificial reality objects; displaying from serverartificial reality application on the cloud application on the cloudserver network device via the cloud communications network, the secondartificial reality object on the display component via the targetartificial reality application on the target network device; receivingone or more second selection inputs on the server artificial realityapplication on the cloud application on the cloud server network devicevia the cloud communications network from the target artificial realityapplication on the target network device, to select one or more secondconsumer products in the set of consumer products from the created MRMdigital image via the a second artificial reality object; and displayingfrom the server artificial reality application on the cloud applicationon the cloud server network device via the cloud communications network,on the display component via the target artificial reality applicationon the target network device, a second set of vector images linked tothe second artificial reality object for the second set of one or moreconsumer products including the plurality of graphical markers and theplurality of new electronic links at the highest levels in the layeredhierarchy of the created MRM digital image and allowing progressiveresolution display from the highest levels in the layered hierarchy downto the lowest levels in the layered hierarchy and back up to the highestlevels in the layered hierarchy in the created MRM digital imagedirectly from the target artificial reality application on the targetnetwork device, the progressive resolution display also allowing a newor different second desired set of consumer products from the set ofconsumer products to be selected directly on the target artificialreality application on the target network device with the one or moreadditional second selection inputs.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thetarget artificial reality application and the servicer artificialreality application include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality(AR), mixed reality (MR), or combinations thereof, artificial realityapplications.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the created plurality ofartificial reality objects include, graphical, audio, video, electronictext or digital image, artificial reality objects.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the cloud storage objects include one or more of aREpresentational State Transfer (REST) or Simple Object Access Protocol(SOAP) cloud storage objects, portions thereof, or a combinationthereof.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the cloud application offersthe cloud computing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the cloudcomputing Platform, as a Service (PaaS) and offers Specific cloudElectronic Image Creation and Display services as a Service (SaaS)including a cloud software service, wherein the IaaS, PaaS and SaaSinclude one or more of automatic secure electronic image creation anddisplay services comprising networking, storage, server network device,virtualization, operating system, middleware, run-time, data orapplication services, or plural combinations thereof, on the cloudcommunications network.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein a productselection tool is used on the target network device to customized ashopping experience and determine which of the created plurality ofartificial reality objects are displayed on the target network device.7. The method of claim 1 wherein the target network device includesdesktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, mobile phones,non-mobile phones, smart phones, smart speaker network devices, personaldigital/data assistants (PDA), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality(AR), Mixed Reality (MR) headsets, digital cameras, portable gameconsoles, non-portable game consoles, wearable network devices, cabletelevision (CATV) set-top boxes, satellite television boxes, or digitaltelevisions including high-definition (HDTV) and three-dimensional (3D)televisions.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the target network deviceincludes a camera component and a Global Position System (GPS)component.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the vector images includingthe visual overlays include a plurality of vector images comprising,brand information, sub-brand information, product category informationor product information.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the first setof electronic links or the second set of electronic links includeselectronic links to print advertising, audio advertising, videoadvertising, or web-sites accessible via the cloud communicationsnetwork including additional information about the consumer products.11. The method of claim 1 wherein the graphical markers includegraphical icons for new products, products on sale, all naturalproducts, anti-age products, products with new ingredients, productswith sun screen, products for specific pre-defined demographic groups,products associated with a brand or products at similar price level. 12.The method of claim 1 wherein the graphical markers include graphicalicons for a plurality of different types of personal shoppers for aplurality of different age groups for both male and female personalshoppers.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the consumer productsinclude books, music, consumer electronics, tools, clothing, shoes,personal care products including skin care, personal cleansing, haircare, hair styling aids and hair colorants, feminine care products, malecare products, baby care products, food products, groceries, liquors andcleaning products.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the consumerproducts include a plurality of products for pets or other animals. 15.The method of claim 1 wherein the created MRM digital image comprises aweb-site used on another cloud server network device on the cloudcommunications network.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the createdMRM digital image comprises an advertising platform available oninternet television services, search engine services or socialnetworking services via the cloud communications network.
 17. The methodof claim 1 wherein the physical location tag includes physical locationinformation comprising: Global Position System (GPS), GPS map, DigitalGPS (DGPS), other types of GPS information, two-dimensional (2D) (X, Y)location information, three-dimensional (3D) (X, Y, Z) locationinformation, Cartesian coordinate information, Euclidean spaceinformation, geo-space coordinate information, geographic information orcombinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 1 wherein the informationtag including time, date, product and coupon information includes timeand date information for sale and promotional items and digital couponinformation for selected consumer products, wherein the digital couponinformation is accessed from the target artificial reality applicationon the target network device during a purchase process for the selectedconsumer products.
 19. A non-transitory computer readable medium havingstored therein a plurality of instructions for causing one or moreprocessors to execute a processor implemented method including stepscomprising: creating with a cloud application in a non-transitorycomputer readable medium on a cloud server network device with one ormore processors connected to a cloud communications network, a first setof a plurality of vector images from a plurality of corresponding rasterimages of a set of consumer products, wherein the created first set ofthe plurality of vector images include selected ones of the createdfirst set of the plurality of vector images created at different viewsof the set of consumer products and also include other selected ones ofthe created first set of the plurality of vector images created atvarying levels of detail from general details to specific details forthe set of consumer products; creating with the cloud application asecond set of a plurality of vector images for pre-determined groups ofthe set of consumer products comprising a plurality of visual overlays;adding with the cloud application a first set of electronic links toindividual vector images in the created first set of the plurality ofvector images, wherein only selected ones of electronic links from thefirst set of electronic links added to an individual vector image arevisible and displayable when the individual vector image for anindividual consumer product from the set of consumer products isdisplayed; adding with the cloud application a second set of electroniclinks to the created second set of the plurality of vector images forthe created plurality of visual overlays, wherein only selected ones ofelectronic links from the second set of electronic links added to theindividual vector image are visible and displayable when the individualvector image for an individual visual overlay from the created pluralityof visual overlays is displayed; creating with the cloud application amulti-resolution mosaic (MRM) digital image stored in one or more cloudstorage objects in a progressive resolution format for a pre-determineddisplay layout of the set of consumer products with the created firstset and the created second set of the plurality of vector images and theadded first and the added second sets of electronic links, wherein thecreated MRM digital image includes a layered vector image hierarchy ofthe created first set and the created second set of the plurality ofvector images and wherein the layered vector image hierarchy includesselected ones of vector images from the created first set of theplurality of vector images displaying the general details for the set ofconsumer products at a first set of highest levels in the layered vectorimage hierarchy and other selected ones of vector images from thecreated first set of the plurality of vector images displaying thespecific details for the set of consumer products at lowest levels inthe layered hierarchy and selected ones from the created second set ofthe plurality of vector images displaying the created plurality ofvisual overlays of varying level of details from the general details tospecific details for the pre-determined groups of the set of consumerproducts at a second set of highest levels in the layered vector imagehierarchy; storing with the cloud application the created MRM digitalimage with a progressive resolution display from the one or more cloudstorage objects via the cloud communications network to allow virtualshopping via the cloud communications network; storing with the cloudapplication from the one or more cloud storage objects the created MRMdigital image with the progressive resolution display of the set ofconsumer products with the created plurality of vector images in thelayered vector image hierarchy, the progressive resolution displayincluding displaying, zooming in and zooming out on selected portions ofthe created MRM digital image and displaying selected ones of the addedfirst set or second set of electronic links in the plurality of vectorimage layers and allowing linking to one or more sets of electronicinformation from different vector image layers in the plurality ofvector image layers during the progressive resolution display of thecreated MRM digital image, wherein the progressive resolution display ofthe created MRM digital image displays only the selected ones ofelectronic links added to a vector image layer currently being viewed inthe created MRM digital image, wherein varying from general electronicinformation to specific electronic information as lower layers areviewed in the plurality of vector image layers; storing with the cloudapplication from the one or more cloud storage objects with theprogressive resolution display of the created MRM digital image thecreated plurality of vector images in the plurality of vector imagelayers without converting any of the created plurality of vector imagesto another format or downloading any raster images associated with thecreated plurality of vector images over the cloud communicationsnetwork; creating with a server artificial reality application on thecloud application on the cloud server network device, a plurality ofartificial reality objects, wherein the plurality of artificial realityobjects each include a physical location tag including actual physicallocation information in a desired physical space and an information tagincluding time, date, product and coupon information for the set ofconsumer products; adding with the server artificial reality applicationon the cloud application a set of artificial reality electronic links tothe plurality of artificial reality objects to link the plurality ofartificial reality objects to a plurality of different locations in thecreated MRM digital image for the set of consumer products; receiving afirst location information message on the server artificial realityapplication the cloud application on the cloud server network deviceindicating that a target network device with one or more otherprocessors has reached a first physical location in the desired physicalspace that matches a first physical location tag for a first virtualreality object from the created plurality of artificial reality objects;displaying from server artificial reality application on the cloudapplication on the cloud server network device via the cloudcommunications network, the first artificial reality object on a displaycomponent via a target artificial reality application on the targetnetwork device; receiving one or more first selection inputs on theserver artificial reality application on the cloud application on thecloud server network device via the cloud communications network fromthe target artificial reality application on the target network device,to select one or more first consumer products in the set of consumerproducts from the created MRM digital image via the first artificialreality object; displaying from the server artificial realityapplication on the cloud application on the cloud server network devicevia the cloud communications network, on the display component via thetarget artificial reality application on the target network device, thefirst set of vector images linked to the first artificial reality objectfor the first set of one or more consumer products including a pluralityof graphical markers and a plurality of new electronic links at thehighest levels in the layered hierarchy of the created MRM digital imageand allowing progressive resolution display from the highest levels inthe layered hierarchy down to the lowest levels in the layered hierarchyand back up to the highest levels in the layered hierarchy in thecreated MRM digital image directly from the target artificial realityapplication on the target network device, the progressive resolutiondisplay also allowing a new or different first desired set of consumerproducts from the set of consumer products to be selected directly onthe target artificial reality application target network device with theone or more additional first selection inputs; receiving a secondlocation information message on the server artificial realityapplication the cloud application on the cloud server network deviceindicating that the target network device has reached a second physicallocation in the desired physical space that matches a second physicallocation tag for a second virtual reality object from the createdplurality of artificial reality objects; displaying from serverartificial reality application on the cloud application on the cloudserver network device via the cloud communications network, the secondartificial reality object on the display component via the targetartificial reality application on the target network device; receivingone or more second selection inputs on the server artificial realityapplication on the cloud application on the cloud server network devicevia the cloud communications network from the target artificial realityapplication on the target network device, to select one or more secondconsumer products in the set of consumer products from the created MRMdigital image via the a second artificial reality object; and displayingfrom the server artificial reality application on the cloud applicationon the cloud server network device via the cloud communications network,on the display component via the target artificial reality applicationon the target network device, a second set of vector images linked tothe second artificial reality object for the second set of one or moreconsumer products including the plurality of graphical markers and theplurality of new electronic links at the highest levels in the layeredhierarchy of the created MRM digital image and allowing progressiveresolution display from the highest levels in the layered hierarchy downto the lowest levels in the layered hierarchy and back up to the highestlevels in the layered hierarchy in the created MRM digital imagedirectly from the target artificial reality application on the targetnetwork device, the progressive resolution display also allowing a newor different second desired set of consumer products from the set ofconsumer products to be selected directly on the target artificialreality application on the target network device with the one or moreadditional second selection inputs.
 20. A system for displaying andmanaging products in a virtual display environment on a cloudcommunications network, comprising in combination: a cloudcommunications network; one or more cloud server network devices withone or more processors and a non-transitory computer readable medium;one or more target network devices with one or more other processors andother non-transitory computer readable medium; the one or more cloudserver network devices and one or more target network devicesconfigured: for creating with a cloud application in a non-transitorycomputer readable medium on a cloud server network device with one ormore processors connected to a cloud communications network, a first setof a plurality of vector images from a plurality of corresponding rasterimages of a set of consumer products, wherein the created first set ofthe plurality of vector images include selected ones of the createdfirst set of the plurality of vector images created at different viewsof the set of consumer products and also include other selected ones ofthe created first set of the plurality of vector images created atvarying levels of detail from general details to specific details forthe set of consumer products; for creating with the cloud application asecond set of a plurality of vector images for pre-determined groups ofthe set of consumer products comprising a plurality of visual overlays;for adding with the cloud application a first set of electronic links toindividual vector images in the created first set of the plurality ofvector images, wherein only selected ones of electronic links from thefirst set of electronic links added to an individual vector image arevisible and displayable when the individual vector image for anindividual consumer product from the set of consumer products isdisplayed; for adding with the cloud application a second set ofelectronic links to the created second set of the plurality of vectorimages for the created plurality of visual overlays, wherein onlyselected ones of electronic links from the second set of electroniclinks added to the individual vector image are visible and displayablewhen the individual vector image for an individual visual overlay fromthe created plurality of visual overlays is displayed; for creating withthe cloud application a multi-resolution mosaic (MRM) digital imagestored in one or more cloud storage objects in a progressive resolutionformat for a pre-determined display layout of the set of consumerproducts with the created first set and the created second set of theplurality of vector images and the added first and the added second setsof electronic links, wherein the created MRM digital image includes alayered vector image hierarchy of the created first set and the createdsecond set of the plurality of vector images and wherein the layeredvector image hierarchy includes selected ones of vector images from thecreated first set of the plurality of vector images displaying thegeneral details for the set of consumer products at a first set ofhighest levels in the layered vector image hierarchy and other selectedones of vector images from the created first set of the plurality ofvector images displaying the specific details for the set of consumerproducts at lowest levels in the layered hierarchy and selected onesfrom the created second set of the plurality of vector images displayingthe created plurality of visual overlays of varying level of detailsfrom the general details to specific details for the pre-determinedgroups of the set of consumer products at a second set of highest levelsin the layered vector image hierarchy; for storing with the cloudapplication the created MRM digital image with a progressive resolutiondisplay from the one or more cloud storage objects via the cloudcommunications network to allow virtual shopping via the cloudcommunications network; for storing with the cloud application from theone or more cloud storage objects the created MRM digital image with theprogressive resolution display of the set of consumer products with thecreated plurality of vector images in the layered vector imagehierarchy, the progressive resolution display including displaying,zooming in and zooming out on selected portions of the created MRMdigital image and displaying selected ones of the added first set orsecond set of electronic links in the plurality of vector image layersand allowing linking to one or more sets of electronic information fromdifferent vector image layers in the plurality of vector image layersduring the progressive resolution display of the created MRM digitalimage, wherein the progressive resolution display of the created MRMdigital image displays only the selected ones of electronic links addedto a vector image layer currently being viewed in the created MRMdigital image, wherein varying from general electronic information tospecific electronic information as lower layers are viewed in theplurality of vector image layers; for storing with the cloud applicationfrom the one or more cloud storage objects with the progressiveresolution display of the created MRM digital image the createdplurality of vector images in the plurality of vector image layerswithout converting any of the created plurality of vector images toanother format or downloading any raster images associated with thecreated plurality of vector images over the cloud communicationsnetwork; for creating with a server artificial reality application onthe cloud application on the cloud server network device, a plurality ofartificial reality objects, wherein the plurality of artificial realityobjects each include a physical location tag including actual physicallocation information in a desired physical space and an information tagincluding time, date, product and coupon information for the set ofconsumer products; for adding with the server artificial realityapplication on the cloud application a set of artificial realityelectronic links to the plurality of artificial reality objects to linkthe plurality of artificial reality objects to a plurality of differentlocations in the created MRM digital image for the set of consumerproducts; for receiving a first location information message on theserver artificial reality application the cloud application on the cloudserver network device indicating that a target network device with oneor more other processors has reached a first physical location in thedesired physical space that matches a first physical location tag for afirst virtual reality object from the created plurality of artificialreality objects; for displaying from server artificial realityapplication on the cloud application on the cloud server network devicevia the cloud communications network, the first artificial realityobject on a display component via a target artificial realityapplication on the target network device; for receiving one or morefirst selection inputs on the server artificial reality application onthe cloud application on the cloud server network device via the cloudcommunications network from the target artificial reality application onthe target network device, to select one or more first consumer productsin the set of consumer products from the created MRM digital image viathe first artificial reality object; for displaying from the serverartificial reality application on the cloud application on the cloudserver network device via the cloud communications network, on thedisplay component via the target artificial reality application on thetarget network device, the first set of vector images linked to thefirst artificial reality object for the first set of one or moreconsumer products including a plurality of graphical markers and aplurality of new electronic links at the highest levels in the layeredhierarchy of the created MRM digital image and allowing progressiveresolution display from the highest levels in the layered hierarchy downto the lowest levels in the layered hierarchy and back up to the highestlevels in the layered hierarchy in the created MRM digital imagedirectly from the target artificial reality application on the targetnetwork device, the progressive resolution display also allowing a newor different first desired set of consumer products from the set ofconsumer products to be selected directly on the target artificialreality application target network device with the one or moreadditional first selection inputs; for receiving a second locationinformation message on the server artificial reality application thecloud application on the cloud server network device indicating that thetarget network device has reached a second physical location in thedesired physical space that matches a second physical location tag for asecond virtual reality object from the created plurality of artificialreality objects; for displaying from server artificial realityapplication on the cloud application on the cloud server network devicevia the cloud communications network, the second artificial realityobject on the display component via the target artificial realityapplication on the target network device; for receiving one or moresecond selection inputs on the server artificial reality application onthe cloud application on the cloud server network device via the cloudcommunications network from the target artificial reality application onthe target network device, to select one or more second consumerproducts in the set of consumer products from the created MRM digitalimage via the a second artificial reality object; and for displayingfrom the server artificial reality application on the cloud applicationon the cloud server network device via the cloud communications network,on the display component via the target artificial reality applicationon the target network device, a second set of vector images linked tothe second artificial reality object for the second set of one or moreconsumer products including the plurality of graphical markers and theplurality of new electronic links at the highest levels in the layeredhierarchy of the created MRM digital image and allowing progressiveresolution display from the highest levels in the layered hierarchy downto the lowest levels in the layered hierarchy and back up to the highestlevels in the layered hierarchy in the created MRM digital imagedirectly from the target artificial reality application on the targetnetwork device, the progressive resolution display also allowing a newor different second desired set of consumer products from the set ofconsumer products to be selected directly on the target artificialreality application on the target network device with the one or moreadditional second selection inputs.